Madagascar officials dismissed following escape of 11 Chinese detainees

Madagascar authorities have taken decisive action following the unauthorized release of 11 Chinese nationals from a prison in the capital. During a Council of Ministers meeting, the government announced the immediate dismissal of two high-ranking officials: the Director of Prison Administration within the Ministry of Justice and the Director of Immigration Control under the Ministry of Public Security.

Currently, 15 individuals are in custody as investigations continue. The probe is expanding after President Michaël Randrianirina revealed that two additional attempted irregular releases of detainees had been reported recently. Investigators are working to determine if these incidents are linked to an organized network.

Internal investigations have uncovered potential high-level involvement. The Secretary General of the prison agents' union reportedly claimed to have acted under orders from a high-ranking official outside the Ministry of Justice, who allegedly promised protection. Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison has pledged that sanctions will be as severe as possible for those responsible, regardless of their administrative rank or position.