Madagascar’s military government has revealed it is displeased with Eswatini for hosting ousted President Andry Rajoelina a week ago, deeming the visit a “grave infringement of its sovereignty”.
The government of Eswatini put out photos of King Mswati III meeting Rajoelina last Friday, during which the king called on Madagascar’s military junta to restore constitutional order.
Madagascar’s military leader Col Michael Randrianirina voiced his “strongest condemnation” of the visit in a statement, describing it as “politically unacceptable”.
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Last October, Rajoelina was overthrown by an elite military after weeks of youth-led protests in his nation.
The demonstrations took place because of persistent power and water shortages, leading the army to ultimately side with the protestors.
Rajoelina’s visit to Eswatini was the first time the ousted president was seen in a diplomatic engagement since fleeing Madagascar.
The office of King Mswati III’s said meeting Rajoelina was part of Eswatini’s role as a facilitator in regional diplomacy and had nothing to do with interfering in Madagascar’s domestic politics.
Madagascar’s military junta said in a statement that Rajoelina had deliberately renounced his Malagasy nationality after acquiring another citizenship, warning that any attempt to portray 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 statement added.
The military authorities said Rajoelina’s reception in Eswatini could disrupt Madagascar’s ongoing national reconciliation and constitutional restoration process.
In a statement on Monday, Percy Simelane, spokesperson for the Eswatini monarchy, said the deposed leader was not seeking “protection or intervention” from the kingdom.
Simelane said the king consulted the Southern African Development Community before meeting with Rajoelina.
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“The attack on the people of Eswatini is therefore misguided and unfortunate,” he said.
