United States warns Madagascar over growing security ties with Russia

The United States has warned Madagascar against strengthening its military ties with Russia. The deputy head of U.S. Africa Command cautioned that similar partnerships with military-led governments in West Africa have failed to improve security. Lieutenant General John Brennan said they're concerned that Russia wants to expand the model it's used in the Sahel to elsewhere across the continent. He said both Madagascar and Mozambique are strategically located on the Mozambique Channel, which is vital to international trade. Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, all under military rule, have turned to Russia for support in their fight against jihadists, distancing themselves from Western partners. Brennan's comments come as Madagascar's military also deepens ties with Moscow. Russia's expanded its cooperation with the island nation since the army seized power last year, supplying it with weapons and instructors from its paramilitary force, Africa Corps. Brennan said Moscow's approach was largely ineffective, warning it could further destabilize the region if replicated elsewhere.