It’s a short article that ignited the Malagasy web and social networks in the space of a few hours. An Indian news agency, via the Russian news agency Sputnik, reported on Monday the signing of a military cooperation agreement between Madagascar and Russia on January 18. Although signed before the start of the Ukrainian conflict, Malagasy-Russian cooperation worries other foreign powers.
With our correspondent in Antananarivo,
” The text signed on January 18, 2022 is the protocol approval of an agreement signed in 2018, explains General Richard Rakotonirina, the Minister of Defence. It should come into force this year, but a framework mechanism is still needed “. Richard Rakotonirina signed this text during a visit to Moscow, where he was notably invited by the Kalashnikov factory.
But what does this agreement, which has caused a stir on social networks and within the international community, contain? ” All the weapons we have, artillery, small arms, tanks, date from the 1980s [sous la présidence de Didier Ratsiraka]. So we need spare parts. The agreement also covers the training of Malagasy officers and the transfer of expertise, in mechanics for example. ” But it is about national defence. As a result, the text will not be made public, again retorts the Minister of Defense, who explains that diplomatic relations with Russia have now lasted for 50 years. We also have agreements with China and Turkey, and no one is offended. »
The agreement is however not so sulphurous, since we can find it fully published in the Russian official journal. The text specifies that the six-page agreement entered into force on March 25. Which raises the question of its ratification: when and how was it ratified by Madagascar? Chance of the calendar or not, this renewal of military cooperation between Russia and Madagascar indeed intervenes in a very particular context: that of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which began on February 24, where the Big Island twice abstained from supporting the Western coalition at the United Nations, provoking the irritation of the international community in the corridors.
” The tension has gone down but there are elements that worry us: what is the real content of this agreement? underlines a source close to diplomacy who prefers to remain anonymous. It may not be much: the repair and replacement of equipment is a real need but this text also gives other broader possibilities, which could jeopardize other cooperation. Could this agreement, for example, facilitate the arrival of Wagner’s men on Malagasy territory? ? »
The agreement is for a period of 5 years, automatically renewable.