Madagascar leader holds talks with Macron after expelling French diplomat
Madagascan leader Michael Randrianirina said he spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron after the Indian Ocean island expelled a French diplomat over an alleged plot to destabilise the country.
The former French colony off the southeast coast of Africa expelled a French diplomatic official this week, prompting Paris to summon the charge d'affaires of the Madagascan embassy in protest.
Randrianirina had a phone call with Macron where they discussed the event "described as an isolated incident", the Madagascan president's office said, AFP reported.
The president "reiterated that the decisions taken by Madagascar fall within the normal exercise of state sovereignty and are in accordance with the principles governing diplomatic relations", it said.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the episode does not derail bilateral cooperation, the office said.
The expelled French national is an "internal security officer attached to the French interior ministry", two sources familiar with the matter told AFP.
The expulsion follows social media accusations against France, including unsubstantiated claims that "French mercenaries" had arrived on the island.
France's foreign ministry has rejected the allegations.
Interim president Randrianirina rose to power in October following anti-government protests over lack of water and energy escalated. He has pledged to return power to civilians within two years.
A transition roadmap published in February outlines national consultations in 2026, followed by a new constitution and a presidential election by the end of 2027.
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