US Warns Madagascar Against Expanding Security Ties With Russia

United States military officials have cautioned Madagascar against expanding its defence ties with Russia, citing concerns over regional stability and critical shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. Lieutenant General John Brennan, deputy commander of US Africa Command, addressed the issue during an online press briefing, drawing parallels to security arrangements in West Africa.

Brennan highlighted the strategic location of Madagascar near the Mozambique Channel, a vital waterway for international maritime commerce. He warned against the adoption of what he described as the Sahel model, referring to security partnerships established between Moscow and military-led governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. According to US Africa Command, militant activity in northern Mozambique, including groups linked to Islamic State, along with evolving piracy tactics along the coast, poses a persistent threat to commercial navigation.

Cooperation between Antananarivo and Moscow has expanded since a military takeover in Madagascar in 2025 led by President Michaël Randrianirina. Following the transition of power, Russia began providing military equipment and instructional staff to the Malagasy armed forces. Randrianirina subsequently visited Moscow in early 2026, marking the first official visit by a leader from the island nation to Russia in nearly five decades.

At the recent Russia-Africa summit, delegation members signed bilateral agreements covering defence, trade, and tourism. While President Randrianirina has repeatedly voiced support for deeper cooperation between African states and Moscow, Malagasy authorities have not issued a formal reply to the statements from US Africa Command. Brennan noted that sovereign nations retain the choice to select their security partners, while stating that governments should consider the potential risks involved.

Written by Martina Kirchner martina.kirchner@alpineweekly.com