Madagascar gold smuggling and corruption investigations

Madagascar is facing significant challenges regarding the illicit export of national resources. President Michaël Randrianirina has reported that approximately 100 tonnes of gold are smuggled out of the country annually, primarily destined for Dubai, with additional exports flowing to Europe and India. He described national border controls as a “passoire” (sieve), alleging that smuggling networks exploit corruption and security flaws at locations such as Ivato International Airport.

To mitigate these losses, which Randrianirina estimates could allow the nation to repatriate up to $10 billion in foreign exchange, he has proposed implementing rigorous transaction traceability and a single-window system.

Concurrently, the Anti-Corruption Pole (PAC) is investigating allegations involving former high-ranking officials, including former President Andry Rajoelina and former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay. One specific investigation concerns the alleged embezzlement of 36 kilograms of gold and various precious stones from the Ministry of Mines and Strategic Resources. These legal proceedings are currently suspended awaiting a jurisdictional decision from the High Constitutional Court.