Eswatini’s decision to host Madagascar’s ousted President Andry Rajoelina has sparked tensions with the island nation’s military government, which has condemned the visit as a “grave infringement of its sovereignty”.
King Mswati III met Rajoelina last week, calling for Madagascar’s military junta to restore constitutional order.
Madagascar’s military leader Col Michael Randrianirina voiced “strongest condemnation” of the visit, terming it “politically unacceptable”.
Eswatini’s government says the meeting was part of regional diplomacy and not intended to interfere in Madagascar’s domestic politics.
Rajoelina was overthrown in October 2025 following youth-led protests over power and water shortages.
The military authorities have pledged to hold new elections within two years, with the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) directing them to submit a roadmap for restoring democracy by February 28.
