Madagascar Military Receives Russian Equipment, Training Amid Political Transition

Madagascar is strengthening military cooperation with Russia as it continues a political transition following the ouster of the previous government.

Moscow is supplying military equipment to the Indian Ocean nation and has sent a delegation to train armed forces in its use, the Malagasy presidency said on Wednesday.

According to the presidency, the training will cover different types of equipment and involve various military units based in the capital, Antananarivo.

The presidency said Madagascar is willing to work with all countries, but noted that historically the country has sourced much of its military equipment from Russia.

Madagascar has been in political transition since October, when a coup d’état forced out then-president Andre Rajoelina after weeks of youth-led protests over power and water shortages.

Faridah Abdulkadiri