Russia has sent a shipment of arms to the military leaders of Madagascar, who took control following a coup in October, according to the speaker of the National Assembly.
Sitini Randrianasoloniako, previously a leader of the opposition, informed Bloomberg that a Russian military aircraft arrived at an airport near Antananarivo over the weekend, carrying 40 troops along with 43 crates of weaponry.
The shipment reportedly comprised assault rifles, sniper rifles, and anti-tank rocket systems. Randrianasoloniako noted that these arms were presented to the presidential guard as part of legitimate governmental collaboration.
He mentioned that the Russian team expressed their intention to assist Madagascar’s armed forces, especially in areas like training and enhancing capabilities.
Additionally, the Russian representatives had discussions with Madagascar’s military leader, President Michael Randrianirina, regarding economic partnerships.
Randrianirina, who took charge after leading the coup on October 14, confirmed in a statement last week that he had discreetly visited Dubai from December 9-11, but did not reveal the purpose of the trip, citing concerns for his personal safety.
The coup followed widespread protests against the government and the escape of former President Andry Rajoelina to France. Randrianirina, who heads the elite CAPSAT military unit, quickly assumed the presidency thereafter.
Madagascar, the largest island nation globally with a population of approximately 30 million, faces serious socio-economic difficulties. According to World Bank data, the median age is below 20, three-quarters of the population live in poverty, and GDP per capita has decreased by 45% since the country gained independence in 1960.
Russia has been broadening its influence in Africa, establishing military cooperation agreements with various governments on the continent and sending troops from its African corps to conflict regions like Sudan, Niger, and Mali.
In early December, The Wall Street Journal reported that Sudan’s military leadership proposed a 25-year cooperation agreement with Moscow, which might allow for the establishment of a Russian military base along the Red Sea coast in exchange for weapons.
