Madagascar's presidential communications director, Rolly Mercia, held a press conference on 15 April 2026 at the Ambohitsorohitra Palace in Antananarivo, presenting video footage of suspected thermal drones filmed over President Michaël Randrianirina's private residence, which officials claim were sent to monitor the movements and sleeping arrangements of the presidential couple as a potential precursor to a targeted strike. Mercia also cited intelligence reports alleging that individuals plan to set fire to the National Assembly this coming Saturday, claiming that money is being distributed in Antananarivo's poorer neighbourhoods to fund the attack. The announcements come amid heightened tensions following the recent arrest of four members of the Gen Z protest movement (a youth-led civic opposition group that has been demanding political reforms), though Mercia largely sidestepped that issue, invoking the separation of powers.