Authorities have announced the arrest of more than a dozen individuals linked to an alleged plot to assassinate Michael Randrianirina and destabilize the government, in what officials describe as a serious but ultimately thwarted coup attempt.

According to security sources, the suspects were detained following a coordinated intelligence operation that uncovered plans to target key state figures and seize control of strategic institutions.

While details remain limited, officials say the arrests were carried out over several days across multiple locations, suggesting a networked operation rather than an isolated conspiracy.

Government spokespersons confirmed that the alleged plot included plans to assassinate Randrianirina, a prominent political figure, as part of a broader effort to trigger political upheaval.

Authorities claim that weapons, communication devices, and documents outlining operational strategies were recovered during the arrests, although these claims have not yet been independently verified.

“This operation reflects our commitment to safeguarding national stability and protecting democratic institutions,” a senior security official said in a brief statement. “We acted swiftly on credible intelligence to neutralize a serious threat.”

The identities of several suspects have now been disclosed, with officials indicating that those detained include individuals with military backgrounds, as well as civilians believed to have provided logistical or financial support. Investigators are currently working to determine the full scope of the network, including whether there were external actors or international links involved.

Political analysts note that alleged coup plots—whether successful or not—often point to deeper tensions within a country’s political and security landscape. In recent years, parts of Africa have witnessed a resurgence of military takeovers and attempted coups, raising concerns about democratic resilience and governance challenges across the continent.

However, authorities in this case insist that institutions remain firmly in control and that there is no immediate threat to national stability. They have urged the public to remain calm while investigations continue, emphasizing that all suspects will be processed in accordance with the law.

Civil society groups have called for transparency in the investigation, urging the government to ensure due process and avoid politicization of the arrests. “While national security is paramount, it is equally important that justice is carried out fairly and openly,” one advocacy organization said in a statement.

As the investigation unfolds, attention is likely to focus on the underlying motivations behind the alleged plot, as well as the broader implications for political stability in the country. For now, the government maintains that the situation is under control and that the attempted coup has been decisively foiled.