US warns Madagascar over growing military ties with Russia

Image source, Anadolu via Getty ImagesImage caption, Madagascar has signed defence deals with Russia since the military seized power a year agoByBasillioh RukangaPublished1 hour agoThe US has warned Madagascar against strengthening its ties with Russia, saying similar partnerships with military-led governments in West Africa have failed to improve security.US Africa Command deputy head Lt Gen John Brennan said Madagascar's strategic location in the Indian Ocean made it important to global trade.He warned against what he called the "Sahel model", which he said risked fuelling instability across the continent.Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, all under military rule, have severed ties with the Western partners and turned to Russia to military support their fight against jihadist groups.Russia has expanded its military cooperation with Madagascar since the military seized power in 2025, supplying weapons and military instructors."We are concerned about Russia wanting to "proliferate [the Sahel model] elsewhere across the continent", Brennan told reporters in an online briefing."Madagascar sits in a location that is extremely important, as is Mozambique, and we don't want to see those models be applied in those two locations," he said.The three Sahel countries had blamed their former Western partners for failing to contain jihadist violence before turning to Moscow.However, militant attacks have continued despite their closer military ties with Russia.Brennan also raised concerns about security in the Mozambique Channel, which separates Mozambique and Madagascar from mainland Africa and is an important route for international shipping and trade.He said it was vital to prevent Islamist State linked militants in northern Mozambique and other hostile actors from threatening maritime activity.Citing recent piracy-related incidents along the coast, Brennan said militant groups in northern Mozambique were adapting their tactics, including developing greater maritime capabilities.He said US partners were "free to partner with whom they wish" but urged them to understand the potential risks.Madagascar has not publicly responded to Brennan's comments,. However, President Michaël Randrianirina has recently reiterated his support for stronger ties between Russia and African countries.During the Russia-Africa summit last month, Madagascar and Russia signed several cooperation agreements covering defence, tourism and trade.In February, a few months after taking power in a military takeover, Randrianirina visited to Moscow. It was the first official visit to Russia by a Malagasy leader in nearly 50 years.You may also be interested in: From prison to presidential palace: Who is Madagascar's new military ruler?Published17 October 2025Behind the Gen Z protesters who want to force Madagascar's president from powerPublished3 October 2025Madagascar ex-Senate chief sentenced to hard labour over deadly Gen Z protest crackdownPublished2 SeptemberRoads or rice fields - Madagascar's highway dilemmaPublished17 December 2025Go to BBCAfrica.com, external for more news from the African continent.Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, external, on Facebook at BBC Africa, external or on Instagram at bbcafrica, externalRelated topicsAfricaRussiaMadagascarMaliBBC Africa podcastsFocus on AfricaThis Is Africa