Madagascar’s military government has sharply criticized neighbouring Eswatini for hosting former president Andry Rajoelina, calling the visit a “grave infringement of its sovereignty” and politically unacceptable.
The controversy erupted after Eswatini’s monarchy shared photos of King Mswati III meeting with Rajoelina last Friday. During the meeting, the king reportedly urged Madagascar’s military leadership to restore constitutional order in the Indian Ocean island nation, a stance that has angered Madagascar’s ruling junta.
In a statement, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a leader of the military government, issued his “strongest condemnation” of the visit, saying it could undermine ongoing efforts to achieve national reconciliation and restore constitutional governance following the political upheaval in Madagascar.
Last October, Rajoelina was ousted from power by an elite branch of Madagascar’s armed forces amid weeks of youth‑led protests driven by persistent power and water shortages. The army ultimately sided with demonstrators, forcing Rajoelina to flee the country. The appearance in Eswatini marked his first known diplomatic engagement since leaving office.
The junta also questioned Rajoelina’s status as a legitimate representative of Madagascar, accusing him of relinquishing his Malagasy nationality after acquiring another citizenship. The military government said attempts to present him as a current political actor were “legally unfounded.”
The statement referenced unrest last year, noting that events in September and October 2025 resulted in the deaths of about 30 Malagasy citizens. The junta argued that hosting Rajoelina could jeopardize fragile political progress and complicate constitutional restoration efforts underway in Madagascar.
Eswatini’s monarchy responded by defending the meeting. Percy Simelane, spokesperson for King Mswati III, said Rajoelina was not seeking “protection or intervention” from Eswatini and that the monarch had consulted the Southern African Development Community (SADC) before engaging with the ousted president. Simelane called the junta’s criticism “misguided and unfortunate.”
Eswatini framed the visit as part of its role in regional diplomacy and facilitation, not as interference in Madagascar’s internal affairs.
