Eswatini angers Madagascar junta for hosting deposed leader

Madagascar’s military government has criticised Eswatini for hosting ousted President Andry Rajoelina last week, describing the visit as a “grave infringement of its sovereignty”.

Last Friday, the Eswatini government shared photos of King Mswati III meeting Rajoelina, during which the king called on Madagascar’s military junta to restore constitutional order.

In a statement, Madagascar’s military leader Col Michael Randrianirina voiced his “strongest condemnation” of the visit, terming it “politically unacceptable”.

Rajoelina was overthrown last October by an elite military following weeks of youth-led protests in the Indian Ocean island.

The demonstrations were over persistent power and water shortages, culminating in the army siding with the demonstrators.

This was the first time the ousted president was seen in a diplomatic engagement since fleeing Madagascar.

King Mswati III’s office said the meeting with Rajoelina was part of Eswatini’s role as a facilitator in regional diplomacy and was not intended to interfere in Madagascar’s domestic politics.

In a statement, the military in Madagascar said Rajoelina had voluntarily renounced his Malagasy nationality after acquiring another citizenship, warning that any attempt to portray himself as a legitimate representative of Madagascar was “legally unfounded”.

“This situation is of particular gravity in so far as the individual concerned was serving as head of state during the tragic events of September and October 2025, which claimed the lives of approximately 30 Malagasy citizens,” the statement added.

The military authorities said Rajoelina’s reception in Eswatini could potentially disrupt the ongoing national reconciliation and constitutional restoration process in Madagascar.

In a response on Monday, Percy Simelane, the monarchy’s spokesperson said the deposed leader was not seeking “protection or intervention” from the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Simelane said the king had consulted with the regional bloc, Southern African Development Community (Sadc), before meeting Rajoelina.

“The attack on the people of Eswatini is therefore misguided and unfortunate,” he added.

Randrianirina has pledged to call new elections within two years.

Last December, Sadc directed Madagascar’s military authorities to submit, by 28 February, a roadmap for restoring democracy, including plans for fresh elections.