United States and Madagascar strengthen maritime security cooperation

A high-level delegation from US Africa Command (US AFRICOM) visited Madagascar on November 3 and 4 to bolster bilateral cooperation regarding maritime security and economic prosperity. Led by Lieutenant General John Brennan, Deputy Commander of US AFRICOM, and Peter Vrooman, Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, the delegation met with Malagasy President Michaël Randrianirina and senior military officials in Antananarivo.

Discussions focused on maritime domain awareness, combating illicit trafficking and piracy, and regional training opportunities. The officials also addressed the link between critical minerals, economic security, and national defense. The delegation visited the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) and the National Maritime Information Fusion Centre to observe information-sharing capabilities in the Southwest Indian Ocean.

In Antsiranana, the delegation inspected the Andrakaka military airfield. The runway rehabilitation project, funded by the United States, was a primary focus of the visit. Recent successful landings by three military aircraft demonstrated the site's readiness to support operational capabilities. These efforts are part of preparations for Madagascar to take a leading regional role in the Cutlass Express 2027 exercise.