US warns Madagascar over growing military ties with Russia

What the report says

The United States has cautioned Madagascar against deepening military cooperation with Russia, warning that similar arrangements in parts of West Africa have not improved security and may instead add to regional instability. The warning came from Lt Gen John Brennan, the deputy head of US Africa Command, during an online briefing reported by BBC Africa.

Brennan said Madagascar matters strategically because of its position in the Indian Ocean and its proximity to major sea routes. He argued that the so-called “Sahel model” of security partnerships with Moscow, seen in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, should not be repeated elsewhere. Those military-led governments turned away from Western partners and sought Russian support against jihadist groups, but attacks have continued in those countries.

The US officer also highlighted concerns about the Mozambique Channel, which is important for international shipping and trade. He said Islamist State-linked militants in northern Mozambique and other hostile actors could threaten maritime activity, and noted reports of piracy-related incidents and militant groups adapting their tactics at sea.

BBC Africa said Madagascar has not publicly responded to Brennan’s remarks. The article also said the country has expanded defence ties with Russia since a military takeover in 2025, including weapons and instructor support, and that Madagascar and Russia signed several cooperation agreements at a recent Russia-Africa summit. President Michaël Randrianirina has separately voiced support for closer Russia-Africa ties.