Russia guards Madagascar's parliament speaker as Moscow expands Indian Ocean presence
Russian personnel are now providing security for the speaker of Madagascar's parliament while Moscow also trains the island's troops and may recruit local workers for drone production used in the war against Ukraine, RFE/RL reports.
According to RFE/RL, as cited by Euromaidan Press, Russian guards are now protecting the speaker of Madagascar's parliament, signaling a deepening of Moscow's presence in the Indian Ocean region.
Beyond providing security, Russia is also training Madagascar's armed forces. Reports indicate that Moscow may be seeking to recruit workers from the island nation for drone manufacturing — unmanned aerial vehicles that Russia uses in its war against Ukraine.
Madagascar, located in the Indian Ocean off Africa's southeastern coast, is emerging as another location where Russia is working to extend its military and political influence beyond its traditional spheres. The presence of Russian security personnel around the parliament speaker points to close cooperation between Moscow and the Malagasy government at a high level.
The development fits a broader pattern of Russia expanding its military footprint across Africa and nearby waters in recent years, combining training and security missions that could also serve as a resource base for its war effort in Ukraine.
