The Political Situation in Madagascar

The First Gift from Putin Arrives Two Months After the Coup

Two months after Colonel Michael Randrianirina seized power in Madagascar in October 2025, the first signs of the country’s new relationship with Russia emerged, according to several media outlets.

At that time, the first military aid from Vladimir Putin arrived, consisting of drones and firearms. Shortly thereafter, Randrianirina boarded a specially chartered private plane that took him to his first in-person meeting with the Russian president. Since then, ties between the two nations have grown both more numerous and stronger. In addition to military cooperation, a Russian cultural center has opened in the capital, Antananarivo, offering various courses in the Russian language. 

Madagascar Warned: Stop Moving Closer to Russia

The United States has warned Madagascar against continuing to strengthen its ties with Russia, the BBC reports.

Since the military seized power in the East African nation in 2025, military cooperation with Russia has steadily expanded. Among other things, Russia has provided Madagascar with weapons and military instructors. The country’s location in the Indian Ocean is strategically significant from the perspective of global trade.

"The situation is extremely important [...] We are concerned that Russia intends to expand the 'Sahel model' across the continent," says U.S. General John Brennan.

The "Sahel model" refers to the cooperation between the military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—all of which maintain close ties to Russia.