Madagascar’s navy rulers have sharply criticised Eswatini for internet hosting the nation’s ousted president, Andry Rajoelina, accusing the southern African kingdom of undermining Madagascar’s sovereignty in a transfer that has stirred contemporary regional tensions.
The row erupted after Eswatini launched pictures final Friday exhibiting King Mswati III in talks with Rajoelina, who was faraway from energy by the navy in October following weeks of youth-led protests. Through the assembly, the king urged Madagascar’s new navy authorities to revive constitutional order, in response to Eswatini officers.
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Michael Randrianirina, Madagascar’s navy chief, responded with what he known as his “strongest condemnation”, describing the go to as “politically unacceptable” and a “grave infringement” on the nation’s inner affairs.
Rajoelina was overthrown after mass demonstrations throughout the Indian Ocean island, pushed by persistent electrical energy and water shortages. The protests escalated by means of September and October, with the military finally siding with demonstrators.
Round 30 individuals had been killed in the course of the unrest, in response to the navy authorities.
The assembly in Eswatini marked the primary public diplomatic look by Rajoelina since he fled Madagascar after his removing.
Learn additionally:Randrianirina sworn in as Madagascar’s president after dramatic military takeover
In a press release, the navy authorities stated Rajoelina had voluntarily renounced his Malagasy nationality after buying one other citizenship. It warned that any try by him to current himself as a official consultant of Madagascar was “legally unfounded”.
“This example is of explicit gravity insofar as the person involved was serving as head of state in the course of the tragic occasions of September and October 2025, which claimed the lives of roughly 30 Malagasy residents,” the assertion stated.
Learn additionally: After army coup, Madagascar’s Gen Z demand a voice in shaping what comes next – Reuters
The navy authorities additionally warned that receiving the previous president might disrupt what they described as an ongoing technique of nationwide reconciliation and constitutional restoration.
Eswatini has rejected the criticism. Percy Simelane, spokesperson for the monarchy, stated Rajoelina was not searching for safety or political intervention from the dominion.
“The assembly was a part of Eswatini’s function in regional diplomacy,” Simelane stated, including that King Mswati III had consulted the Southern African Improvement Neighborhood earlier than holding talks with the deposed chief.
“The assault on the individuals of Eswatini is subsequently misguided and unlucky,” he added.
Regional leaders have been carefully watching developments in Madagascar for the reason that navy takeover. Final December, Sadc directed the navy authorities to submit a roadmap for restoring democracy, together with plans for contemporary elections, by February 28.
Randrianirina has pledged that new elections will probably be held inside two years, although critics say belief within the transition stays fragile.
The BBC studies that the diplomatic dispute highlights the fragile steadiness dealing with southern African states as they attempt to encourage a return to civilian rule in Madagascar whereas avoiding actions that could possibly be seen as taking sides within the disaster
