Madagascar marks one year since uprising as Russia’s influence grows

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, shakes hands with Madagascar’s President Michaël Randrianirina during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on 19 February 2026, as ties between the two countries deepen. AP - Alexander Zemlianichenko

Madagascar marks one year on Saturday since military leader Michael Randrianirina took power following weeks of youth-led protests that brought down elected president Andry Rajoelina. Over the past year, Russian influence has grown through closer military ties and weapons deliveries, while researchers have identified Moscow’s interest in a strategic Indian Ocean port. Many of the political reforms demanded by protesters, however, remain unfinished.

Randrianirina was sworn in as president of the Refoundation of Madagascar on 17 October 2025, after a month of Gen Z protests demanding water, electricity, justice and transparency culminated in the ousting of Rajoelina.