What You Need to Know
French President Emmanuel Macron recently spoke with Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina, marking their first communication since Randrianirina’s inauguration. Macron reiterated France’s support for Madagascar’s transitional process, emphasizing the importance of national consultations and reforms, particularly in combating corruption and ensuring timely elections.
Africa. French President Emmanuel Macron recently conducted a phone call with Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina, marking their first communication since Randrianirina took the oath of office about a month and a half ago, following a military takeover.
During the call, Macron reiterated Paris’s support for the transitional process in Madagascar, a move that comes amid a politically sensitive context for the island. According to a statement from the Élysée Palace, the French president emphasized that “France wishes to accompany and support the ongoing transitional process” in Madagascar, highlighting the importance of the current phase, which includes the launch of national consultations and anticipated reforms.
The statement added that Macron welcomed the announcement of a national consultation process and the declared reforms, particularly in the area of combating corruption, as well as organizing elections within a reasonable timeframe.
Macron urged Malagasy authorities to involve youth and civil society in various steps of the transitional phase, ensuring the inclusivity of the political process and enhancing internal trust.
In the context of French support, Paris announced a new aid package that includes additional funding for the island nation, sending doctors to the capital Antananarivo, and providing financial assistance specifically aimed at supporting food security.
However, this announcement did not receive unanimous support within Madagascar; a prominent civil society figure expressed reservations about the French aid, stating that “if this assistance is not properly prepared and clear controls are not established for its use, it will not be effective.” They viewed that Paris is seeking to protect its interests in Madagascar, especially amid signs of rapprochement between Antananarivo and Moscow.
These concerns arise in light of Malagasy political movements toward Russia, including a visit by the President of Madagascar’s National Assembly to Moscow this month, indicating a potential reshaping of the country’s foreign alliances in the near future.
Madagascar has experienced significant political upheaval in recent years, with military interventions shaping its governance. The recent rise of Michael Randrianirina as president follows a military takeover, reflecting ongoing instability. France has historically maintained a close relationship with Madagascar, often providing support during transitional periods, which has sometimes been met with skepticism from local civil society groups.
The current political landscape is further complicated by Madagascar’s emerging ties with Russia, as evidenced by recent diplomatic visits.
