As Bloomberg has learned, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is actively strengthening military and political cooperation with Madagascar. In fact, he took advantage of the change of power after the coup in the fall of 2025, as well as the war in the Middle East.
Points of attention
- Analysts suggest that Russia's increasing presence in Africa, particularly in Madagascar, is a strategic move to capitalize on US distractions and secure access to key resources.
- Madagascar's strategic location near crucial oil supply routes in the Indian Ocean and abundant mineral reserves make it a valuable ally for Russia in the region.
Putin is actively “recruiting” Madagascar
Journalists draw attention to the fact that the new government of the country, which began ruling Madagascar after the October military coup, publicly thanked Putin for the supply of helicopters, equipment, and humanitarian aid.
What is important to understand is that after the military came to power in Madagascar, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who headed the state, Moscow very quickly transferred military personnel and weapons to the island to ensure the regime's security.
It is an eloquent fact that Randrianirina made his first foreign visit to Moscow, where he met with Putin.
Thus, he effectively ignored the long-standing tradition of Madagascar's leaders visiting Paris, the capital of the former metropolis.
Analysts interviewed by Bloomberg note that Moscow is increasing its influence in Africa, taking advantage of the US distraction from war with Iran. Madagascar is of strategic interest due to its location near a key oil supply route in the Indian Ocean and its rich reserves of minerals, including cobalt, graphite and rare earth metals (8th in the world).
