Madagascar expels French embassy official

Madagascar has expelled a French embassy official, declaring him persona non grata and ordering him to leave the country due to alleged actions that are considered incompatible with his diplomatic status, according to a government statement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced this decision, following a formal summons of Arnaud Guillois, who was informed by Foreign Affairs Minister Alice N'Diaye.

Authorities indicated that the expulsion was connected to ongoing investigations into alleged destabilization activities.

The official, Colonel Pierre Couve, a senior officer in the French Gendarmerie, had been stationed in the capital, Antananarivo, since September 2022.

His designation as persona non grata necessitates his immediate departure from the country.

On April 17, an adviser associated with the presidency claimed on social media that several French nationals were under investigation for suspected involvement in destabilization attempts. 

In response, the French embassy swiftly rejected these claims, labeling them false and warning that they could harm bilateral relations.

France's foreign ministry has since rejected claims that it sought to destabilize Madagascar. 

(Story sourced with input from wires)