Economic and infrastructure partnerships take center stage

On August 11, 2026, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, President of Madagascar’s Refondation movement, attended Chad’s 66th Independence Day celebrations in N’Djamena. The event at Place de la Nation featured a military parade, with President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad hosting regional leaders including Guinea-Bissau’s President General Horta N’Tam. All three heads of state wore military uniforms during the ceremony.

Prior to the festivities, President Randrianirina held bilateral talks with his Chadian counterpart to discuss strengthening diplomatic and economic relations. Key discussion points included trade development and infrastructure projects. “African nations must unite and support each other to ensure continental progress,” Randrianirina emphasized during the meeting.

Reinvigorating historic diplomatic bonds

The Malagasy leader highlighted that while Madagascar and Chad have maintained diplomatic ties since their independence in 1960, cooperation has weakened over time. He noted several promising sectors for renewed partnership, including agriculture, energy, and transportation. In response, President Déby Itno announced plans for an official visit to Madagascar to further these discussions.

Both nations share historical parallels, having been French colonies before gaining independence in 1960 and adopting republican governance in 1958. These common experiences present opportunities for collaborative development models.