Russian Intelligence and Africa Corps Taking Control of Madagascar

Russian intelligence agencies are actively expanding their network of influence in Madagascar in an attempt to take control of this strategically important island in the Indian Ocean.

The main instruments of this infiltration have been the GRU and the Africa Corps, a unit under the control of the Russian Ministry of Defense, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

This expansion intensified following the military coup in Madagascar, which brought to power a pro-Russian military junta led by Colonel Michael Andrianirina.

Major General Andrei Averianov of the GRU is overseeing the operation; he personally arrived on the island along with the first group of mercenaries from the Africa Corps.

On-site operations are being coordinated by Major General Anton Papshev of the GRU, who previously specialized in electronic intelligence and recruitment.

Russian military instructors have already begun training Madagascar’s 1st Airborne Assault Battalion and delivered a shipment of weapons to the island’s army.

In addition to the army, the Russians are taking control of the local elites: the Africa Corps provides personal security for National Assembly Speaker Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko.

During a visit to Moscow, the head of the transitional government, Andrianirina, declared his readiness to fully open the country’s military, energy, and infrastructure sectors to Russia.

At the same time, the Kremlin is advancing its interests through Belarusian business structures, which, under the leadership of the General Staff, are attempting to conclude multimillion-dollar contracts with the island.

To exert ideological control in Madagascar, a network of Russian Houses and the propaganda media outlet African Initiative—both managed by Russian intelligence agencies—have been established.

Through these media outlets, the Russians are recruiting local youth to send them to the Geran attack drone manufacturing plant in Alabuga, Russia.

Russia is currently negotiating the construction of its own oil storage facilities and access to a former naval base on the island.