What You Need to Know
President of Madagascar, Mikail Randrianirina, reaffirmed the country’s openness to various international partners, emphasizing that this approach should not alarm France, the former colonial power. He presented himself as a non-aligned African leader willing to cooperate with Washington, Paris, and Moscow, provided agreements are balanced and serve Madagascar’s national interest.
Africa. President of Madagascar, Mikail Randrianirina, reaffirmed the country’s openness to various international partners, emphasizing that this approach should not alarm France, the former colonial power.
In a television interview, he clarified that any cooperation “based on a win-win foundation that benefits the people of Madagascar will always be welcomed by his government.”
The president positioned himself as a non-aligned African leader, asserting that Madagascar will cooperate with Washington, Paris, and Moscow, as well as with African nations, provided that the agreements are balanced and serve national interests.
This discourse comes at a time when Moscow appears to be the most willing foreign power to engage with the new authority. Russia was the first to meet with the five officers at the “Kapsat” headquarters on October 14, just one day after the military took control of the country.
Since his inauguration on October 17, Colonel Randrianirina has granted exclusive interviews to Russian media, reinforcing the impression of a budding axis between Antananarivo and Moscow.
When asked about reports regarding the evacuation of former President Andry Rajoelina on a French military aircraft, the colonel chose to be cautious, stating that he could not confirm the information as he was unaware of it at the time.
This stance, which avoids direct accusations, reflects an attempt to maintain a communication channel with Paris despite the sensitivity of the issue.
Regarding the disputed “Ibars” islands with France, the President of Madagascar confirmed that the matter will remain on the negotiation table, noting that the issue “concerns the people of Madagascar” and that he will continue discussions with Paris about it.
Madagascar has a complex history of colonialism and foreign influence, particularly from France, which ruled the island from 1897 until its independence in 1960. In recent years, Madagascar has sought to navigate its foreign relations carefully, balancing ties with traditional partners like France and emerging powers such as Russia, especially in the context of shifting global dynamics.
