A former French serviceman has been detained in Madagascar for allegedly participating in a plot to destabilize the island, alongside other accomplices, including a Malagasy army officer. The charges include criminal conspiracy and sabotage of infrastructure. Madagascar's foreign ministry expelled a French diplomat, which France denied, calling the accusations unfounded. The suspects are also charged with spreading false information and inciting unrest, linked to a Whatsapp group chat. The situation follows previous youth-led protests that led to a change in leadership.