Madagascar’s military government has strongly criticised Eswatini for hosting ousted President Andry Rajoelina last week, describing the visit as a “grave infringement of its sovereignty.”
The meeting, held last Friday, saw King Mswati III receive Rajoelina, during which the Eswatini monarch called on Madagascar’s military junta to restore constitutional order. Photos of the encounter were shared by the Eswatini government.
In a statement, Madagascar’s military leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, issued his “strongest condemnation,” calling the visit “politically unacceptable.”
Rajoelina was overthrown last October by an elite military force following weeks of youth-led protests over persistent power and water shortages. The demonstrations culminated in the army siding with the demonstrators. This event marked Rajoelina’s first diplomatic engagement since fleeing Madagascar.
King Mswati III’s office said the meeting was part of Eswatini’s role as a facilitator in regional diplomacy and was not meant to interfere in Madagascar’s domestic politics.
The military in Madagascar argued that Rajoelina had voluntarily renounced his Malagasy nationality after acquiring another citizenship and warned that any attempt by him to present himself as a legitimate representative of Madagascar was “legally unfounded.”
“This situation is of particular gravity in so far as the individual concerned was serving as head of state during the tragic events of September and October 2025, which claimed the lives of approximately 30 Malagasy citizens,” the military statement said. Authorities also cautioned that Rajoelina’s reception in Eswatini could disrupt the ongoing national reconciliation and constitutional restoration process.
In response, Percy Simelane, spokesperson for the Eswatini monarchy, stated that Rajoelina was not seeking “protection or intervention” from the kingdom. He added that the king had consulted with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) before the meeting.
“The attack on the people of Eswatini is therefore misguided and unfortunate,” Simelane said.
Colonel Randrianirina has pledged to conduct new elections within two years. Last December, SADC directed Madagascar’s military authorities to submit, by 28 February, a roadmap for restoring democracy, including plans for fresh elections.
