Africa-Press. Madagascar is witnessing a growing controversy regarding inspections carried out by armed groups or individuals claiming to operate under direct orders from the presidency. These practices have escalated since the military council came to power, causing embarrassment for the government and raising increasing concerns about security violations.
The latest of these operations occurred on July 9, 2026, when a group targeted foreign nationals, an incident that provoked widespread reactions and prompted authorities to act to deny any official connection to it.
Since Colonel Randrianirina assumed power last October, controversial inspections have repeatedly taken place, primarily targeting close associates of former President Andry Rajoelina, along with businesspeople, former ministers, and prominent political figures.
Some of these operations are conducted late at night, sometimes as late as 1 AM, outside official working hours. Authorities assert that these measures are part of protecting state security; however, their recurrence has sparked widespread concern within the country.
In February, the Minister of Justice called on citizens to report any abuses related to these operations, emphasizing the government’s rejection of any illegal practices. Subsequent investigations led to prison sentences for several military personnel involved in similar violations.
In a recent incident, around twenty masked men, some armed, stormed the home of Chinese nationals in the Ambohibao area on the outskirts of the capital Antananarivo, claiming they were acting on orders from the presidency. They also presented themselves as members of the gendarmerie without displaying any identification or official documents.
After leaving the site, members of the group were found in possession of over 200 million Ariary, equivalent to about 40,000 euros, in addition to foreign currency and jewelry.
In response, the presidency quickly denied any involvement in the operation, asserting that those who carried it out do not represent state institutions, and called on security forces to apprehend them and bring them to justice, labeling them as impersonators of official status.
