Madagascar President Randrianirina Faces Repeated Drone Incursions

Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, Madagascar’s transitional president, was targeted by multiple unmanned aerial vehicles during a convoy in Antananarivo on Friday night. Two drones were observed following the motorcade and presidential guards opened fire, but the aircraft were at a high altitude and evaded the shots. The president arrived safely at his residence and security was subsequently heightened.

The incident follows a similar drone sighting the previous day and earlier reports of five drones over the presidential residence in April 2026. Authorities have opened an investigation but have not identified the operators. No group has claimed responsibility, and officials have suggested the attempts may be intimidation or test flights. The repeated incursions have heightened political tension in the capital and revived debate over drone regulation and the stability of the transition government.

Previous security incidents include a thwarted coup attempt and arrests of alleged conspirators. While the current drone events have not resulted in injuries, they underscore lingering fragility in Madagascar’s political landscape.