Diplomat expelled over alleged destabilisation activities in the ocean island..

Madagascar said on Tuesday it had expelled a French diplomat after summoning the country's ambassador, citing alleged involvement in destabilisation activities.

The Indian Ocean island has faced repeated political turmoil and has been led since October by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who seized power after youth-led protests forced out his predecessor, Andry Rajoelina.

Ambassador Arnaud Guillois was informed of the government's decision "to declare a member of the French embassy accredited in Antananarivo persona non grata, on account of conduct deemed incompatible with his status," the foreign ministry said in a statement, without naming the staff member.

Madagascar did not specify the nature of the alleged destabilisation activities, but said the decision followed ongoing investigations involving both Malagasy and foreign nationals.

Rajoelina fled Madagascar in October as protests over lack of water and energy escalated and ultimately forced him from power, departing with assistance from France, the former colonial power.

Scattered protests in recent weeks have erupted in the capital, Antananarivo, over the new administration's slow pace of reforms and perceived inaction on corruption, with several young people among those arrested in a series of police crackdowns.

Randrianirina, who denies staging a coup, 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.

Madagascar, off the east coast of southern Africa, is one of the world's poorest countries, despite being the biggest vanilla producer and rich in biodiversity.