French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Madagascar for a pivotal two-day visit aimed at revitalizing France’s presence in the Indian Ocean amid growing diplomatic and strategic shifts on the African continent.
Macron’s visit, which began on Wednesday, marks the first time a French head of state has set foot on the island nation since President Jacques Chirac’s trip two decades ago in 2005. The visit is widely seen as part of France’s broader pivot toward East and Southern Africa as its influence continues to wane in the Sahel region due to political instability, anti-French sentiment, and the rise of competing powers.
France’s Strategic Recalibration in Africa
With a population of nearly 30 million and as one of the largest French-speaking nations in Africa, Madagascar holds increasing geopolitical importance for Paris. The visit is seen as part of a broader recalibration by France to secure alliances and reassert its historical connections in regions less volatile than West Africa, where recent coups have severed long-standing ties.
A statement from the Élysée Palace highlighted the goal of the trip: “President Macron’s visit to Madagascar underscores France’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in the Indian Ocean, with a focus on sustainable development, regional security, and cultural diplomacy.”
Meeting With Rajoelina and Business Engagements
Upon arrival in the capital Antananarivo, President Macron was received by his Malagasy counterpart, President Andry Rajoelina, at the Ivato International Airport with full military honors. The two leaders are scheduled to engage in closed-door discussions, followed by the signing of bilateral agreements related to infrastructure development, maritime security, climate adaptation, and economic cooperation.
Macron will also hold a roundtable session with prominent Malagasy business leaders to discuss trade opportunities, investment frameworks, and support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
A French diplomatic official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted: “There’s a strong interest in leveraging Madagascar’s untapped potential, especially in sectors like green energy, agriculture, and maritime logistics. France wants to be part of that future.”
Tensions Over the Scattered Islands
However, not all aspects of the visit are expected to proceed smoothly. One of the most contentious issues on the agenda is the long-standing dispute over the Scattered Islands (Îles Éparses) — a group of small, resource-rich islets in the Indian Ocean that remain under French control despite Madagascar’s independence in 1960.
The islands are believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves, in addition to being ecologically important marine territories. Over the years, Madagascar has repeatedly demanded their return, a request that France has consistently resisted.
The Élysée confirmed ahead of the visit that the matter would be “discussed” during bilateral meetings. While no definitive outcome is expected, Malagasy civil society groups have already voiced dissatisfaction with France’s position.
Jean Nirina Rakoto, a professor of international relations at the University of Antananarivo, told Africalivenews: “There is a growing sentiment among the Malagasy people that France must respect historical justice. Keeping control of the islands more than 60 years after our independence is seen as an insult to our sovereignty.”
Public Sentiment and Protests
In Antananarivo, Macron’s visit has drawn both official welcomes and public demonstrations. While many citizens have expressed hope for stronger economic ties with France, several groups organized peaceful protests, demanding the return of the Scattered Islands.
Placards seen in the capital read “Return Our Islands” and “Madagascar Is Not for Sale,” echoing a wider pan-African call for former colonial powers to relinquish lingering territorial claims.
Marie Randriamampianina, a youth activist involved in the demonstrations, told Africalivenews: “We are not against cooperation, but we cannot accept colonial leftovers. President Rajoelina must stand firm in defending Madagascar’s territorial integrity.”
Macron Pledges Return of Cultural Artifacts
In a gesture aimed at addressing post-colonial grievances, President Macron announced France’s commitment to returning stolen cultural artifacts that were taken from Madagascar during the colonial era. This move follows similar restitution efforts in Benin and Senegal, where France has repatriated dozens of historically significant objects.
During a joint press briefing with President Rajoelina, Macron stated: “Our shared history is complex, but we must face it with honesty and courage. France is committed to returning key Malagasy cultural artifacts as part of a broader process of reconciliation and mutual respect.”
While the announcement was welcomed by many, some observers see it as a symbolic gesture that does not go far enough to address larger issues such as economic inequality, territorial disputes, and historical accountability.
What’s at Stake?
Analysts say Macron’s visit represents a critical test of France’s ability to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing African geopolitical landscape. With the increasing presence of other global actors such as China, India, and Russia on the continent, France is under pressure to redefine its role beyond traditional aid and military support.
Koffi Mensah, a regional security analyst based in Nairobi, told Africalivenews: “France’s Africa policy must evolve. Madagascar is a strategic partner in the Indian Ocean, and how France handles the Scattered Islands issue could either open doors or close them.”
Looking Ahead
As the two-day state visit continues, all eyes will be on how Macron balances France’s strategic interests with the demands for historical justice and economic equity from his Malagasy hosts.
The outcomes of this trip could determine whether France’s efforts to pivot eastward will be met with trust and partnership or skepticism and resistance.
