What You Need to Know
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, Madagascar’s new president, visits France for the first time since taking office. His meeting with President Emmanuel Macron will focus on supporting Madagascar’s transitional phase and enhancing humanitarian aid following devastating cyclones. This visit follows Randrianirina’s recent trip to Russia, highlighting his diplomatic balancing act.
Africa-Press. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the Madagascar Re-establishment Party and the new Malagasy president since October, arrives at the Élysée Palace on Wednesday, February 24, for a “working visit”—his first to France since taking office.
This visit comes just six days after his official trip to Russia, where he was welcomed by President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, reflecting a diplomatic path that seeks to balance international powers.
The anticipated meeting between Randrianirina and Macron, scheduled for a lunch at 2 PM Paris time, marks the first direct communication between the leaders of the two countries.
According to a statement from the Élysée Palace, discussions will center on “supporting the transitional phase in Madagascar” and “enhancing humanitarian aid” following a series of devastating cyclones that struck the island, the latest of which resulted in at least 62 fatalities. The two sides will also discuss “renewing the bilateral partnership” between their nations.
The visit fits into a busy diplomatic agenda for the Malagasy president; on February 19, Randrianirina launched a new phase of cooperation with Russia, focusing on defense and energy sectors.
Before heading to Paris, he stated that Madagascar is a “welcoming country” seeking “tangible benefits” for its people, without discrimination among its international partners. However, this policy, based on “diversifying alliances,” raises questions and objections within Madagascar.
Honi Radetra, the Secretary-General of the Citizens’ Gathering and Civil Society Organizations, expressed regret over the lack of transparency regarding the objectives of these visits, calling for accountability from the president upon his return. Additionally, several millennials have voiced concerns about the unclear political or economic implications of this trip to Paris.
These diplomatic moves coincide with the ongoing impact of the deportation of former president Andry Rajoelina to France, an incident that has heightened tensions between the two capitals and remains a backdrop in any discussions regarding bilateral relations between Paris and Antananarivo.
Madagascar has a complex political history, marked by coups and transitional governments. The recent election of Michael Randrianirina reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize the nation and improve international relations. His administration faces challenges, including natural disasters that have impacted the population and necessitated foreign aid.
The diplomatic ties between Madagascar and France have been historically significant, influenced by Madagascar’s colonial past. Recent events, including the deportation of former president Andry Rajoelina, have strained these relations, making Randrianirina’s visit crucial for addressing bilateral concerns and fostering cooperation.
