The United States is growing increasingly concerned about Russia's expanding presence in Madagascar, following a similar pattern of military influence seen in the Sahel region. According to Lieutenant General John Brennan, the second-in-command of the US Africa Command (Africom), Washington is wary of Russia's intentions in Madagascar, particularly given the island nation's strategic location. Brennan expressed these concerns during a recent press briefing.
Russia has been strengthening its ties with Madagascar since Colonel Michaël Randrianirina took power a year ago. Moscow has provided Antananarivo with arms and instructors from Africa Corps, its paramilitary organization. In December 2025, Randrianirina met with General Andreï Averianov, a high-ranking Russian military intelligence officer and presumed supervisor of Africa Corps. The Malagasy leader also had a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in February.
The US is particularly concerned about the potential implications of Russia's growing influence in Madagascar, given the island's strategic position near the Mozambique Channel. This waterway is a critical route for global maritime trade and commerce, and its importance has increased due to recent tensions in the Middle East. Brennan emphasized that the US wants its allies and partners in the region to understand the risks associated with deepening ties with Russia.
The US military commander believes that Russia's model of counter-terrorism efforts has been ineffective in the Sahel and East Africa. He fears that if this approach is replicated in other parts of the continent, it could lead to further destabilization. Brennan also suggested that Russia's ultimate goals in the region are to control natural resources, exploit local populations, and undermine sovereignty.
The concerns expressed by the US come as Madagascar has been strengthening its relations with Russia. Randrianirina attended the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow in late October, further solidifying ties between the two nations. The US is urging its partners in the region to carefully consider the implications of their relationships with Russia.
The situation in Madagascar is being closely watched by the international community, with many countries concerned about the potential consequences of Russia's growing influence. The US, in particular, is keen to ensure that its allies and partners in the region are aware of the potential risks associated with deepening ties with Russia.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Madagascar's relationships with Russia and the US will evolve. One thing is clear, however: the US is determined to ensure that its concerns about Russia's influence in the region are heard and addressed.
Key points
- The US fears Russia may replicate its Sahel military influence strategy in Madagascar.
