United States Warns Mozambique and Madagascar Over Security and Russian Ties

The United States has warned Mozambique and Madagascar that rising piracy and deepening military ties with Russia threaten regional stability and the security of vital international maritime trade routes.

Lt. Gen. John W. Brennan, the deputy commander of U.S. Africa Command, issued the warning during a virtual briefing on Tuesday regarding the strategic importance of the Mozambique Channel.

Brennan noted that Islamic State-linked insurgents in northern Mozambique are increasingly developing maritime capabilities, a shift that could disrupt global commerce and major foreign energy investments.

The Mozambique Channel serves as a critical corridor for global shipping, and officials are concerned that piracy could jeopardize multibillion-dollar liquefied natural gas projects operated by ExxonMobil and Total.

"I think with ISIS-Mozambique in particular, you’re seeing an increase in their maritime capacity. Obviously, the recent piracy actions off the coast have been noted," said Brennan.

Beyond piracy, the U.S. command expressed alarm over Madagascar’s growing security cooperation with Russia, which has included the supply of weapons and military instructors since a 2025 coup.

Brennan cautioned against what he described as the "Sahel model," where military-led governments in West Africa have replaced Western security partnerships with Russian assistance, often without improving local security.

"We are concerned about Russia wanting to proliferate [the Sahel model] elsewhere across the continent," said Brennan.

While the U.S. official acknowledged that partners are "free to partner with whom they wish," he urged regional leaders to consider the potential risks of such alliances.

To counter these threats, the United States plans to increase security engagement with Mozambique through military exercises and specialized training to protect the region's economic interests.

Brennan stated that Washington is working to resolve administrative hurdles, such as visa and equipment processing issues, that have previously delayed joint training exercises in Mozambique.

Madagascar has not issued a public response to the U.S. warnings, though President Michaël Randrianirina recently signed several defense and trade agreements with Moscow during a summit last month.

It remains unclear whether Mozambique and Madagascar will adjust their security strategies or continue to pursue the military partnerships that have drawn criticism from the U.S. Africa Command.