Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina condemned on Friday what he said was an attempt to topple his government as fresh protests flared against the political elite and years of misrule, France 24 reports.
The poor Indian Ocean island has been rocked by days of fatal clashes between demonstrators and security forces, who have responded with arrests, tear gas and bullets.
Called to action on social media through a movement called "Gen Z", the protests forced Rajoelina to sack his government on Monday and invite dialogue to restore order.
But that was not enough to placate the anger and demonstrators have demanded the president's resignation over his failure to deliver basic services, including water and electricity.
"They have been exploited to provoke a coup," the 51-year-old leader said in a live video on his Facebook page Friday in reference to the mostly young protesters.
"What I want to tell you is that some people want to destroy our country," he said, without naming who was behind the move.
"Countries and agencies paid for this movement to get me out, not through elections, but for profit to take power like other African countries.
"That's why I tell you to be very careful," he said, also blaming "mass manipulation" on a "cyberattack".
After a 24-hour "strategic" pause in the capital, Antananarivo, protesters mobilised again in the city on Friday.
Security forces firing tear gas sporadically to prevent them from gathering.
Police pickups sped through the city centre, while shops stayed shut along the capital's main Independence Avenue, AFP journalists saw.
Students who were demonstrating in the northern coastal city of Mahajanga were also dispersed, according to local media. In the south, protests were seen in Toliara and Fianarantsoa.
