US Africa Command Warns Madagascar Over Growing Military Ties With Russia
The US Africa Command has warned Madagascar against deepening military ties with Russia, citing the failure of the 'Sahel model' to improve security in West Africa. US officials expressed concern over Russia's influence in the strategically vital Mozambique Channel.
Why it matters
This reflects the ongoing geopolitical competition between the US and Russia for influence in Africa and the security of critical global maritime trade routes.
The deputy head of the US Africa Command, Lt. Gen. John Brennan, said Madagascar's strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it important to global trade.
The United States has warned Madagascar against strengthening its ties with Russia, saying similar partnerships with military-led governments in West Africa have failed to improve security.
He cautioned against what he called the "Sahel model," which he said risked fuelling instability across the continent.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, all under military rule, have severed ties with Western partners and turned to Russia for military support in their fight against jihadist groups.
The three countries had blamed their former Western partners for failing to contain jihadist violence.
However, militant attacks have continued despite their closer military ties with Russia.
Russia has expanded its military cooperation with Madagascar since the military seized power in 2025, supplying weapons and military instructors.
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United States Warns Mozambique and Madagascar Over Security and Russian Ties
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