US warns Madagascar over growing military ties with Russia

The 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 reduced ties with Western partners and turned to Russia to support their fight against jihadist groups.

Russia has expanded its co-operation with Madagascar since the army 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, Islamist 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 militants linked to the Islamist State group in northern Mozambique and other hostile actors from threatening maritime activity.

Citing recent piracy-related incidents along the coast, Brennan said they 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 co-operation agreements covering defence, tourism and trade.

In February, a few months after seizing power, Randrianirina visited to Moscow. It was the first official visit to Russia by a Malagasy leader in nearly 50 years.