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Military government slams Eswatini over Rajoelina meeting
Madagascar's military leadership has sharply rebuked Eswatini for hosting deposed President Andry Rajoelina last week, calling the visit a serious breach of national sovereignty.
Eswatini defends diplomatic role
King Mswati III met Rajoelina in the capital, Mbabane, on Friday, with the monarchy describing the encounter as part of Eswatini's regional mediation efforts. The king urged Madagascar's junta to restore constitutional governance during the talks.
Eswatini's royal spokesperson, Percy Simelane, stated on Monday that Rajoelina sought neither asylum nor political intervention. Simelane added that the king had consulted the Southern African Development Community (SADC) before the meeting.
"The attack on the people of Eswatini is therefore misguided and unfortunate."
Percy Simelane, Eswatini monarchy spokesperson
Junta accuses Rajoelina of abandoning citizenship
In a strongly worded statement, Madagascar's military ruler, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, condemned the visit as "politically unacceptable." The junta claimed Rajoelina had renounced his Malagasy nationality after acquiring foreign citizenship, rendering any claim to represent Madagascar "legally unfounded."
The statement also highlighted Rajoelina's role in the violent crackdown on protests last September and October, which left around 30 civilians dead.
Regional pressure for democratic restoration
Rajoelina was ousted in October following weeks of mass protests over chronic power and water shortages. The military sided with demonstrators, forcing his removal.
SADC has demanded a roadmap for elections from Madagascar's junta by 28 February. Randrianirina has pledged to hold new polls within two years, though no timeline has been finalized.
The junta warned that Rajoelina's reception in Eswatini could undermine ongoing reconciliation efforts in Madagascar.
Reactions and next steps
Eswatini's government maintained the meeting was routine diplomacy, while Madagascar's military dismissed the justification as interference. Analysts say the dispute could strain relations between the two nations as regional bodies push for a return to civilian rule in Madagascar.
