Russia Strengthens Military Ties with Madagascar After October Coup

Russia has sent a shipment of arms to Madagascar’s military leadership following an October coup, as reported by the speaker of the National Assembly on Monday.

Sitini Randrianasoloniako, a former opposition leader, informed Bloomberg that a Russian military aircraft arrived at an airport close to the capital, Antananarivo, on Saturday, transporting 40 soldiers and 43 crates filled with weaponry.

The shipment comprised assault rifles, sniper rifles, and anti-tank rocket systems, according to his account.

Randrianasoloniako noted that these arms were officially transferred to the presidential guard as part of legal intergovernmental collaboration.

He also mentioned that the Russian delegation expressed its readiness to assist Madagascar’s military, especially in terms of training and enhancing capabilities.

In a separate meeting, the Russian representatives conferred with Madagascar’s military chief, President Michael Randrianirina, about prospects for economic collaboration.

Randrianirina, who took control following the coup on October 14, confirmed in a statement last week that he had discreetly traveled to Dubai from December 9 to 11 but did not reveal the purpose of his trip, citing concerns for his personal safety.

The coup occurred amidst protests against the government and following the departure of former President Andry Rajoelina to France.

Shortly thereafter, Randrianirina, the head of the elite CAPSAT army unit, assuming the presidency.

With a population of about 30 million, Madagascar, the largest island nation, faces considerable socio-economic issues.

Statistics from the World Bank reveal that the median age is below 20, with three-quarters of the populace living in poverty, and GDP per capita has declined by 45% since the country gained independence in 1960.

Russia’s presence in Africa has been growing, as it forges military partnerships with various governments across the continent and deploys troops from its African corps to areas of conflict such as Sudan, Niger, and Mali.

In early December, The Wall Street Journal reported that Sudanese military leaders had proposed a 25-year cooperation agreement with Moscow, which could include establishing a Russian military base on the Red Sea coast in exchange for arms.