US warns Madagascar over expanding Russian military ties
The United States warned Madagascar against deepening military cooperation with Russia, citing the experience of military governments in West Africa. US Africa Command’s deputy head argued that those partnerships had failed to improve security. Madagascar has received Russian weapons and instructors since its 2025 military takeover and signed further cooperation agreements last month. Washington also raised concerns about shipping through the Mozambique Channel.
Geopolitics··Night
An American warning to Madagascar
The United States warned Madagascar about its expanding military relationship with Russia, drawing a comparison with West African governments that have turned to Moscow. Lieutenant General John Brennan, deputy commander of US Africa Command, the American military command responsible for operations in Africa, voiced the concern during an online briefing. He argued that those security partnerships had failed to improve conditions.[1], [2]
Brennan referred to Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, three West African states under military rule. Their governments have scaled back cooperation with Western security partners and sought Russian help against jihadist groups. Militant attacks have continued after that shift. The commander said Washington was concerned about Russia extending what he called the Sahel model to other parts of Africa.[1]
Weapons, instructors and new agreements
Russia has supplied weapons and military instructors to Madagascar since the island’s army seized power in 2025. President Michaël Randrianirina, Madagascar’s military ruler, has backed stronger cooperation with Moscow. Last month the two countries signed agreements on defence, tourism and trade during the Russia-Africa summit.[1]
Randrianirina travelled to Moscow in February, only months after taking power. The visit was the first official trip to Russia by a Malagasy leader in nearly 50 years. His recent statements have continued to support stronger ties between Russia and African countries. Madagascar had issued no public response to Brennan’s comments when the warning was reported.[1]
Concern over the Mozambique Channel
Brennan linked his warning to the Mozambique Channel, the shipping passage between Madagascar and mainland Africa. He described both Madagascar and Mozambique as strategically important to international commerce. The channel carries maritime trade through the western Indian Ocean. Washington’s concern centres on protecting that activity from armed groups and other hostile actors operating around the region.[1], [2]
The American commander pointed to militants linked to the Islamic State group in northern Mozambique. Citing recent piracy-related incidents along the coast, he said hostile actors were adapting their tactics and developing maritime capabilities. Brennan also said American partners were free to choose their partners, while urging them to consider the risks he associated with the Russian security model.[1]
