Madagascar: Two top Army commanders arrested for plotting coup

Two colonels of the Malagasy Army have been detained in prison pending their trial for allegedly plotting a coup and military mutiny in view of botching November 16 elections won by incumbent leader Andry Rajoelina.

The two high ranking officers whose identities have not been revealed are detained at the central prison of Tsiafahy after appearing before a court, local reports note.

Their arrest came following a surveillance and suspicion that they tried to convince several other high-ranking officers of various sections of the security apparatus of the African country to prevent the holding of November 16 elections and to remove the regime of President Rajoelina.

The country went to presidential polls on November 16 in the backdrop of violence that marked the electoral campaigns. A coalition of several opposition members including two former Presidents challenged Rajoelina in the electoral race.

The independent electoral body, CENI, credited Rajoelina with 58.95 per cent of the votes during the first round, meaning there will be no runoff. The high court, HCC, said it received at least 9 appeals rejections the results. The institution has up to nine days to clear the results.

It is unclear if the arrested officers are in league with the opposition.