Eswatini angers Madagascar junta after hosting deposed president

Madagascar’s military rulers have sharply criticised Eswatini for hosting the country’s ousted president, Andry Rajoelina, accusing the southern African kingdom of undermining Madagascar’s sovereignty in a move that has stirred fresh regional tensions.

The row erupted after Eswatini released photographs last Friday showing King Mswati III in talks with Rajoelina, who was removed from power by the military in October following weeks of youth-led protests. During the meeting, the king urged Madagascar’s new military authorities to restore constitutional order, according to Eswatini officials.

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Michael Randrianirina, Madagascar’s military leader, responded with what he called his “strongest condemnation”, describing the visit as “politically unacceptable” and a “grave infringement” on the country’s internal affairs.

Rajoelina was overthrown after mass demonstrations across the Indian Ocean island, driven by persistent electricity and water shortages. The protests escalated through September and October, with the army eventually siding with demonstrators.

Around 30 people were killed during the unrest, according to the military authorities.
The meeting in Eswatini marked the first public diplomatic appearance by Rajoelina since he fled Madagascar after his removal.

Read also:Randrianirina sworn in as Madagascar’s president after dramatic military takeover

In a statement, the military government said Rajoelina had voluntarily renounced his Malagasy nationality after acquiring another citizenship. It warned that any attempt by him to present himself as a legitimate representative of Madagascar was “legally unfounded”.

“This situation is of particular gravity insofar 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 statement said.

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The military authorities also warned that receiving the former president could disrupt what they described as an ongoing process of national reconciliation and constitutional restoration.

Eswatini has rejected the criticism. Percy Simelane, spokesperson for the monarchy, said Rajoelina was not seeking protection or political intervention from the kingdom.

“The meeting was part of Eswatini’s role in regional diplomacy,” Simelane said, adding that King Mswati III had consulted the Southern African Development Community before holding talks with the deposed leader.
“The attack on the people of Eswatini is therefore misguided and unfortunate,” he added.

Regional leaders have been closely watching developments in Madagascar since the military takeover. Last December, Sadc directed the military authorities to submit a roadmap for restoring democracy, including plans for fresh elections, by February 28.

Randrianirina has pledged that new elections will be held within two years, though critics say trust in the transition remains fragile.

The BBC reports that the diplomatic dispute highlights the delicate balance facing southern African states as they try to encourage a return to civilian rule in Madagascar while avoiding actions that could be seen as taking sides in the crisis