The United States has issued a warning to Madagascar regarding its growing military partnership with Russia, expressing concerns that such alliances with authoritarian governments in Africa could lead to increased instability on the continent. Lt Gen John Brennan, deputy head of US Africa Command, highlighted the strategic importance of Madagascar's location in the Indian Ocean for global trade and expressed apprehension about the potential spread of the "Sahel model" of military cooperation. This model, according to Brennan, poses a risk of exacerbating instability across Africa, as seen in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have shifted away from Western partners and toward Russian military support in their fight against jihadist groups.
Russia has been strengthening its military ties with Madagascar since the military coup of 2025, providing weapons and military instructors. The US is concerned about Russia's intention to replicate this model elsewhere on the continent. Brennan also voiced concerns about security in the Mozambique Channel, a critical shipping route separating Mozambique and Madagascar from mainland Africa, where Islamist State-linked militants and other hostile actors could pose a threat to maritime activity. He emphasized the importance of preventing these militant groups from undermining maritime security in the region.
Brennan urged US partners to be aware of the potential risks associated with such partnerships but stopped short of dictating policy decisions. Madagascar, which has recently strengthened its ties with Russia, has not publicly responded to Brennan's comments. However, President Michaël Randrianirina has expressed support for closer relations between Russia and African nations, as evidenced by the several cooperation agreements signed during the recent Russia-Africa summit covering defense, tourism, and trade.
Attribution: According to a statement made by Lt Gen John Brennan in an online briefing and reports from BBC Africa.