Leaders Vladimir Putin and Cyril Ramaphosa exchange greetings during a diplomatic event in an elegant setting.
Madagascar’s transitional president, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, is playing global powers against each other to secure economic and military backing. During a highly visible February trip to Moscow, Randrianirina secured pledges of agricultural cooperation and Russian military support, including arms and personnel. Just days later, he visited Paris, securing an $80 million aid package and a port modernization agreement. For Russia, an alliance with Madagascar promises to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, France, Madagascar’s former colonial ruler, risks losing its diplomatic and military dominance in the region. Randrianirina’s strategy has so far paid off, but the bigger question is whether it will translate into real economic gains in the long run.
African Business