Madagascar

Former Senate speaker Rakotovao candidate as ambassador to Brussels

Former interim president and ex-Senate speaker under Hery Rajaonarimampianina, he aspires to lead the Malagasy chancellery in Brussels and replace Jean-Omer Beriziky, whose diplomatic career was swept out from under his feet by the customary reshuffle of ambassadors that takes place when a new administration takes office.

Ex-prime minister Christian Ntsay files for asylum in France

The former head of Andry Rajoelina's government has just filed an application with the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons.

A former politician resurfaces alongside Randrianirina

The discreet appointment of José Vianey as general coordinator of the Refoundation advisory council on 17 February marks the former diplomat’s return to Madagascar’s political arena.

Washington questions port security

Deeming certain port facilities to be lacking adequate security, the US is imposing enhanced measures on ships calling at these ports before they are allowed to dock on the other side of the Atlantic.

Business delegation to travel to Paris in wake of Randrianirina's Paris visit

Three members of the GEM Malagasy employers' group will travel to Paris this month. Organised with French business group MEDEF International, the visit aims to produce a structured roadmap and promote numerous projects.

Junta and Rajoelina face off from afar at SADC and AU

Colonel Michaël Randrianirina must submit a detailed roadmap for the transition by the end of February, as demanded by the regional organisation of Southern African states, while the African Union is not currently considering lifting Madagascar's suspension.

National Assembly Speaker 'Siteny' received by French presidency

France is working to diversify its contacts in Antananarivo among the emerging figures of the regime led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina. In a still uncertain political climate on the island, Paris is keen to safeguard its interests and ongoing cooperation projects.

Dilemma over sending Africa-France summit invite to Malagasy junta

Suspended from the African Union following Colonel Michael Randrianirina's seizure of power, Madagascar remains excluded from the organisation's bodies until the next elections. As such, the Kenyan government is hesitant to invite the junta to the talks, despite Paris's more favourable position.

The New Guard
Nigeria, Madagascar, South Africa

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

NigeriaNathan Nwachuku, the Abuja drone-maker

MadagascarOcéane Ranjeva, a Gen Z lynchpin

South AfricaWesley Hayes, voice of the Mandelas

Junta turns to ex-president Rajaonarimampianina's former circle

Following the coup, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina has replaced several political leaders deemed too close to Andry Rajoelina. He's relying on figures who were in office between 2014 and 2018.

Construction firms from France hunt down opportunities in Antananarivo

Due to a coincidence, delegations representing two French construction companies, Matière and Vinci, are currently in Antananarivo.

Foreign affairs minister attends key meetings in Paris

The Malagasy foreign minister's official visit to the French capital comes amid renewed trade relations between France and Madagascar.