Macron Reaffirms French Support for Madagascar's Transitional Government and Food Security

France Pledges Support Amidst Madagascar's Political Transition

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone on November 29, 2025, with Michael Randrianirina, the newly installed head of Madagascar's Re-Founding Committee, reaffirming France's commitment to supporting the ongoing transitional process in Madagascar. During the call, President Macron also announced immediate financial assistance aimed at safeguarding food security in the Indian Ocean nation.

Madagascar's Recent Political Landscape

The reaffirmation of French support comes amidst a period of significant political change in Madagascar. On October 14, 2025, President Andry Rajoelina was removed from office by Parliament and subsequently fled the country after an elite army unit, the Army Corps of Administrative and Technical Personnel and Services (CAPSAT), joined widespread youth-led protests. These protests, which began in September 2025, were fueled by public discontent over power cuts, water shortages, and corruption.

Following Rajoelina's departure, the High Constitutional Court (HCC) entrusted power to the competent military authority, with Colonel Michaël Randrianirina assuming the functions of head of state. Randrianirina's formal inauguration took place on October 17, 2025. President Macron welcomed the launch of a nationwide consultative process and a series of structural reforms, particularly anti-corruption measures, and endorsed plans to hold elections within reasonable deadlines to restore democratic order.

Addressing Urgent Food Security Needs

A key component of France's renewed commitment is immediate financial assistance dedicated to enhancing food security in Madagascar. The island nation has faced severe challenges, with food insecurity spreading and worsening as of July 2025, partly due to an ongoing and intense drought.

While the specific amount of this immediate French aid was not detailed, France has historically been a significant donor to Madagascar. In 2017, French official development assistance (ODA) totaled €75.2 million, primarily channeled through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). This support complements efforts from other international partners; for instance, the United States, through USAID, announced over $22 million in additional aid in November 2024 to build resilience and improve food security for approximately 88,000 households in Madagascar's Androy, Anosy, and Atsimo Atsinanana regions.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Relations between France and Madagascar are characterized by strong historical, cultural, and economic ties, stemming from France's colonial past in the country until 1960. President Macron's recent engagement follows his state visit to Antananarivo in April 2025, the first bilateral visit by a French leader in 20 years.

During that visit, discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation, addressing colonial-era disputes such as the sovereignty of the Scattered Islands, and the restitution of historical artifacts like the Sakalava skulls. Economic partnerships announced in April 2025 included support for the construction of the Volobe hydroelectric dam and other investments across sectors like agriculture, education, tourism, and strategic minerals. This consistent engagement underscores France's intent to support Madagascar's stability and development during its critical transitional phase.