The trial of the former State Secretary for the Gendarmerie took place yesterday at the ordinary criminal court of Anosy. A bombshell ruling emerged from the Anosy tribunal yesterday. Following a highly tense trial lasting nearly six hours, former Senate President General Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced to 10 years of hard labor. Complicity in murders, voluntary assault and battery, and attempted murder were the charges retained against the former number two of the Rajoelina regime. These are grave accusations linked notably to political events in September-October 2025, which the retired General categorically rejected during yesterday's trial. Another case involving a death threat accusation was not retained, however. The judges confirmed the case is already time-barred. Facts committed in 2019 allegedly resulted in a threat against a former senior official of SIRAMA company in Brickaville, but the victim only filed a complaint in 2023.

Mitigating Circumstances

Regarding the other accusations, General Baomba is accused of having given instructions to law enforcement elements to incite them to perpetrate violence against GEN Z protesters. In his defense, he explained to the Court that giving orders to armed forces performing their duties in the field does not fall within his functions as head of an institution. During this hearing held before the ordinary criminal court of Antananarivo, gendarmes and a Police Controller General who held a high-ranking position within the Public Security Ministry during the former regime testified in favor of the former Senate President. Taking into consideration his age and the fact that he has no prior criminal record, the Court recognized mitigating circumstances. General Richard Ravalomanana could thus benefit from a sentence reduction. Upon leaving the hearing, his lawyer announced that the defense intends to file an appeal.

Settling Scores

For now, retired General Richard Ravalomanana is the first close collaborator of former President Andry Rajoelina to receive a final conviction. What then of the fate of other figures of the "Volomboasary" regime languishing in prison for 7 months without trial? To mention only the cases of Marie Michelle Sahondrarimalala, Rinah Rakotomanga, Vyvato Rakotovao, Valéry Ramonjavelo, Paul Rabary, Yves Maurice Rakotoniaina and others. Their incarcerations are described as political score-settling by many observers. In any case, this conviction of General Baomba comes precisely as the Presidency of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar organizes consultations with political parties and political groups at the Iavoloha State Palace as part of the crisis resolution process.

Political Tension

As a reminder: General Richard Ravalomanana was removed from his position as Senate President on October 12, 2025, when political tension was at its peak following the overthrow of the Rajoelina regime and the takeover by Colonel Michaël Randrianirina as President of the Refoundation. He was subsequently arrested at his home in Ambatovinaky on December 27 after a prolonged standoff with judicial authorities and threats of attacks on his residence by law enforcement. Following his arraignment on January 19, 2026, the General Officer was placed in provisional detention at Imerintsiatosika prison. It should be noted, however, that during yesterday's hearing, he appeared in good health and showed no signs of weakness, either physically or psychologically. If no political agreement is reached in implementing SADC recommendations, General Baomba risks serving a sentence equivalent to two presidential terms.