A massive billboard in Antananarivo marks Russia's 1945 victory over Nazi Germany and advertises Moscow's diplomatic efforts in Madagascar. The island nation has been strengthening its ties with Russia since Colonel Michael Randrianirina took power in October 2025, replacing then-president Andry Rajoelina. Randrianirina received a delivery of Russian drones, assault rifles, and handguns two months after taking power. He later traveled to Moscow on a chartered plane to meet President Vladimir Putin.
Since then, a Russian cultural center has opened in the capital, offering Russian-language classes. The center is part of Moscow's efforts to build its influence in the former French colony. The first consignment of weapons was delivered by Russian military intelligence general Andrey Averyanov, who commands the Africa Corps. The unit has also been charged with training the Malagasy presidential guard.
Africa Corps has been active in several African countries and has been involved in strengthening Russia's influence in the region. The unit's in-country commander was recently interviewed on state-run RNM radio as part of a weekly program launched in April to promote Russian-Malagasy relations. A similar program debuted on state broadcaster TVM in July to "strengthen the rapprochement between the peoples of the two nations."
However, Randrianirina's embrace of Russia has raised concerns about the country's diplomatic future. Transparency International vice-chair Ketakandriana Rafitoson said the decision to strengthen ties with Russia should be made by an elected president, not a transitional regime. For Russia, the partnership appears intended to establish a foothold in the Indian Ocean.
The position is considered strategic, according to Bruno Fuchs, chairman of the French parliament's foreign affairs committee. After six meetings with Randrianirina, Fuchs said he was assured that there were no plans for Russia to establish a military base on the island. However, political scientist Adrien Ratsimbaharison expressed doubts about a repeat of the "complete alignment with Russia" scenario seen in Africa's Sahel region.
The Russian cultural center, known as the "Russia House," opened in Antananarivo after a deal involving Moscow's state culture agency and its African Initiative media project. African Initiative has been accused by the EU of spreading "Russian disinformation on the African continent." The group has also organized trips to Moscow for Malagasy media personalities, including 13 influencers with a combined 3.5 million Facebook followers.
Randrianirina's visit to Moscow in February was the first by a Malagasy head of state since Marxist president Didier Ratsiraka in 1978. Last week, he received the Russian charge d'affaires to discuss preparations for a Russia-Africa summit in Moscow in October. The Russian recruitment program Alabuga Start has also been active in Madagascar, drawing African women to Russia with promises of scholarships.
Key points
- Madagascar's military leader Michael Randrianirina has strengthened ties with Russia, sparking concerns about the country's diplomatic future.
- The partnership appears intended to establish a foothold in the Indian Ocean.
- The EU has accused African Initiative of spreading "Russian disinformation on the African continent."
