Crisis in Madagascar: Moscow First to Extend a Hand to the New Military Regime

Just 24 hours after the fall of Andry Rajoelina, a delegation from the Russian embassy in Antananarivo was received by the National Defense Council of the Transition (CNDT). Moscow is the first country to officially meet with the new Malagasy authorities. This move echoes its rapid engagement strategy seen in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, head of the CNDT, met with a delegation from the embassy on Thursday, October 16.