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From Promises to Results: What Will the Madagascar–Russia Partnership Deliver?

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The proposed cooperation between Madagascar and Russia has been presented as an opportunity to promote Russian language and culture, expand humanitarian assistance, and support education, youth training and scientific research. These objectives could bring real benefits to the Malagasy population. Better access to education, professional training and humanitarian support should be welcomed. But a memorandum of understanding is not the same as a completed project, and presidential statements are not tangible results. The central question is simple: What will ordinary Malagasy citizens actually receive from this partnership? From announcements to implementation The proposed cooperation reportedly includes Russian-language programmes, cultural centres, university exchanges, youth training and scientific collaboration. There has also been discussion of up to US$10 million in funding. However, the public needs clarity: - Has the funding been formally committed? - Who will administer it? - W...
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Breaking the Pyramid of Corruption: Leadership, Justice and Madagascar’s Reform Challenge Part 5: The International Comparison—2012–2025

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Part 5: The International Comparison—2012–2025 Madagascar should not be judged in isolation. Other countries have faced similar problems: weak institutions, political interference, limited public resources, and a public distrustful of those in power. Some have nevertheless improved their corruption scores over the past decade. The important question is not whether these countries have “eliminated” corruption. No country has done that. The more useful question is what changed in practice. Did they strengthen judicial independence, so that judges could investigate powerful individuals without political interference? Did they professionalise public appointments, replacing loyalty-based appointments with competence, experience, and transparent criteria? Did they digitise procurement and public services, reducing opportunities for officials to demand bribes or manipulate contracts? Other questions are equally important. Did they protect whistleblowers who exposed wrongdoing? Did leaders all...
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Media Sovereignty or a Change of Influence?

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A recent statement attributed to Madagascar’s President of the Refondation, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, reportedly called on Russia to help Madagascar confront the influence of European media in Africa. The appeal raises an important question: what does media sovereignty really mean? There is a legitimate concern about the dominance of foreign narratives. African countries have often been described, analysed and judged through European media institutions. These outlets may focus on instability, poverty, corruption and political failure while giving less attention to local perspectives, achievements and aspirations. Africa certainly needs stronger media institutions capable of telling its own stories. Madagascar needs journalism that reflects Malagasy experiences and allows Malagasy citizens to make their voices heard internationally. But seeking Russian support creates an obvious contradiction. Russia is not widely regarded as a model of independent journalism. Its media environment...
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Breaking the Pyramid of Corruption: Leadership, Justice and Madagascar’s Reform Challenge Part 4: Lessons from History—Country Examples and Madagascar’s Place

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Part 4: Lessons from History—Country Examples and Madagascar’s Place History shows that national decline rarely happens overnight. It usually develops through a series of smaller failures: weak institutions, poor accountability, increasing corruption, limited economic opportunity and a growing distance between government and the people. Madagascar is not unique in facing these pressures. Other countries have experienced similar challenges, although each followed its own path. When institutions become weak In many countries, corruption begins as an occasional abuse of power. Over time, however, it can become embedded in the way public services, contracts and political influence are managed. When rules are applied selectively, citizens lose confidence in institutions. Businesses become reluctant to invest, public employees may go unpaid, and people increasingly depend on personal connections rather than formal systems. This creates a dangerous cycle. Weak institutions make corruption eas...
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Madagascar’s Future Leaders: Learning Governance from Russia?

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Reports that senior Malagasy officials may receive training in Russia have raised important questions about Madagascar’s future direction. The possibility was mentioned by Colonel Michael Randrianirina during a visit to the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration in Moscow. The proposed training would reportedly focus on improving governance, strengthening patriotism and combating corruption. Madagascar is also said to be interested in Russia’s approach to preparing future public-sector leaders from a young age. At this stage, the details remain unclear. No specific programme, participant list, curriculum or timetable appears to have been announced. It is therefore important to distinguish between what has been stated and what is speculation. There may be genuine advantages. Madagascar needs stronger public institutions, better-trained administrators and a more effective approach to corruption. Learning from another country’s experience could provide useful ideas—...
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Breaking the Pyramid of Corruption: Leadership, Justice and Madagascar’s Reform Challenge Part Three: Leadership, Political Will and Justice

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Part Three: Leadership, Political Will and Justice Reform is often announced as though the announcement itself were evidence of progress. New laws are passed, commissions are established, strategies are published and promises are made. Yet reform does not become meaningful simply because it has been written down. The decisive question is whether those in power are prepared to apply reform against the interests of the existing system—including, where necessary, against themselves. Leadership is therefore the first test. A leader who speaks about change but protects political allies, ignores corruption or allows institutions to remain weak is not leading reform. They are managing public expectations. Reform becomes genuine only when leadership creates consequences for failure, rewards integrity and accepts that accountability must apply to government officials, business interests and political supporters alike. This requires more than personal authority. It requires political will. Polit...
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Beyond Putin’s Binary: Choosing Partners, Not Patrons

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Vladimir Putin has argued that Russia is a better partner for the Global South than the “colonial West.” It is an attractive message, especially for countries that remember colonial domination, unequal trade and Western interference. But the choice is not as simple as Russia versus the West. China and the United States cannot be ignored, and no major power acts purely out of generosity. Russia presents itself as a defender of sovereignty. It usually avoids demanding political reforms or openly criticising the internal affairs of partner countries. It offers military cooperation, diplomatic support and, in some cases, access to natural resources. For governments that dislike Western conditions, this can appear attractive. However, non-interference does not necessarily mean equality. Russian partnerships can also be opaque and heavily focused on security, political influence and resources. A government may gain short-term protection while the wider population sees little improvement in e...
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