Madagascar fires FM amid Russia UN vote controversy

10/20/2022

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has fired his foreign minister amid reports that his exit was sparked by the country’s vote at the UN to condemn Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territory.

A decree signed by Rajoelina was issued on Tuesday announcing Richard Randriamandranto’s departure and his replacement “in the interim” by the defence minister. It gave no explanation for the change.

The move came after state TV channel TVM at the weekend reported that Randriamandranto, without consulting his bosses, had joined 142 other countries in the October 12 UN General Assembly vote that condemned Russia’s “illegal annexation” of four Ukrainian regions.

Madagascar had until that point followed a non-aligned position on the Ukraine war, rejecting pressure from the United States and Europe to criticise Russia for invading its neighbour.

The controversy escalated on Monday, with some press outlets accusing Randriamandranto of insubordination.

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