France, Oct. 16 -- Randrianirina was sworn in as president of the Refoundation of Madagascar on 17 October 2025, after a month of Gen Z protests demanding water, electricity, justice and transparency culminated in the ousting of Rajoelina.

Russia was quick to engage with the new leadership. Just four days after taking office, Randrianirina met the Russian ambassador in the Malagasy capital, Antananarivo.

What followed was a rapid expansion of Moscow's presence on the island, researchers say.

An investigation published last month by All Eyes On Wagner, a project that tracks Russian influence and security operations, traced the development of military, political and economic networks in Madagascar in the months after Randrianirina's inau...