The United States has warned Madagascar against deepening military and security ties with Russia, saying similar partnerships have failed to improve security in other parts of Africa, particularly countries in the Sahel.
US Africa Command Deputy Commander John Brennan, who visited Madagascar from Nov. 1 to 8, expressed concern over what he described as Russia’s efforts to expand the Sahel model to other parts of the continent, warning that it could fuel instability.
“We are concerned about Russia wanting to proliferate the Sahel model elsewhere across the continent. Madagascar sits in a location that is extremely important, as is Mozambique and we do not want to see those models be applied in those two locations,” Brennan said in a virtual news conference on Tuesday.
The US official added he raised concerns about security in the Mozambique Channel, which separates Madagascar from mainland Africa as it serves as a key international shipping and trade route.
No formal response
Madagascar has not issued a formal or public response to recent warnings from the United States regarding its deepening security ties with Russia
Under President Michael Randrianirina, Madagascar has strengthened ties with Russia, with Moscow expanding military cooperation through the supply of artillery and personnel.
In June, Russia sent additional military equipment to Madagascar to help re-equip the island nation’s military engineering corps. The shipment included mobile power plants and vehicles, following an earlier delivery of armored vehicles, weapons and ammunition.
Randrianirina became president last October after Andry Rajoelina was ousted. A few months later, he traveled to Moscow, becoming the first Malagasy leader to make an official visit to Russia in nearly five decades.
