Colonel Michaël Randrianirina’s landmark visit to N’Djamena marks a turning point in Madagascar-Chad relations.

Economic and infrastructure partnerships take center stage

The President of Madagascar’s Refondation administration, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, attended Chad’s 66th Independence Day celebrations in N’Djamena on August 11, 2026. The event at Place de la Nation featured a grand military parade. Invited by Chadian President Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, Randrianirina joined festivities alongside Guinea-Bissau’s President General Horta N’Tam. All three leaders wore military uniforms during the ceremony.

The visit also facilitated high-level discussions between Antananarivo and N’Djamena. The day prior, Randrianirina and Déby Itno explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, focusing on economic development and infrastructure projects. Randrianirina emphasized that African unity through mutual support could accelerate continental progress. “When African nations stand together and collaborate, the continent’s development accelerates,” he stated.

Reviving historical ties for future growth

Randrianirina highlighted the need to revitalize Madagascar-Chad relations, which have seen diminished exchanges despite their long-standing diplomatic history. Both nations share key historical milestones—French colonization, adoption of republican status in 1958, and independence in 1960—providing a foundation for renewed cooperation.

In response, Chad’s President announced plans for an upcoming state visit to Madagascar to solidify these efforts. The reciprocal visit aims to identify concrete collaboration opportunities across multiple sectors.