Washington fears Russian security model could expand to Mozambique and Madagascar
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune
AFRICOM deputy commander Lieutenant General John Brennan said Washington feared the Russian security model developed in the Sahel could expand to Mozambique and Madagascar. He spoke on 10 November after a visit to the two countries from 1 to 8 November, according to EFE.
US Africa Command (AFRICOM) deputy commander Lieutenant General John Brennan warned on 10 November 2026 that Washington did not want to see the Russian military model in the Sahel expand to Madagascar and Mozambique. He was speaking at a virtual press conference on his return from a visit to the two countries, held from 1 to 8 November, according to EFE.
In Madagascar, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina has led the country since October 2025 and Moscow has increased contacts since he came to power. Russian armoured vehicles were reportedly delivered there in April 2026 and Malagasy soldiers are reportedly being trained by the Africa Corps, the Russian force that took over Wagner’s African activities, according to several press investigations. The Malagasy presidency, for its part, says it is ready to work with all countries and recalls that the Malagasy army has historically equipped itself through Russia.
Mozambique already has a Russian military presence: the Wagner group sent fighters there in 2019 to support forces engaged against the jihadist insurgency, before withdrawing after heavy losses. In Maputo, John Brennan also asked President Daniel Chapo to host more US military exercises in the Mozambique Channel, which he considers strategic for maritime transport and global trade.
The US warning comes as Washington is also warning about the rise in pirate attacks attributed to the local jihadist group affiliated with Islamic State. The threat had been the subject of a previous US warning on 10 November 2026.
