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Russia Sends Military Equipment to Madagascar Disguised as Humanitarian Aid
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Russia has delivered military equipment to Madagascar alongside what it describes as 63 tonnes of humanitarian aid following Tropical Cyclone Fytia, according to African Initiative on February 23.
The Russian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Emergency Situations carried out the transfer “on the instructions of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin” after the island nation was struck by the cyclone.
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The outlet reported that Russian military transport aircraft Il-76 and An-124 delivered two Mi-8 helicopters, six KamAZ trucks and three tonnes of humanitarian cargo.
An additional 60 tonnes of aid reportedly arrived on two aircraft operated by Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations. African Initiative specified that the food assistance included sunflower oil, rice, beans and sugar.
According to African Initiative, “Servicemen of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation carried out technical servicing and prepared the equipment for operation in challenging climatic conditions.”
Citing its source, African Initiative stated that President of the transitional period of the Republic of Madagascar Michael Randrianirina personally requested the transfer of assistance after completing an official visit to France.
The publication also reported that earlier in mid-February, Russia had delivered equipment to Madagascar, including a Mi-8 helicopter and trucks, to support cyclone response efforts.
Earlier, Russia supplied arms and deployed military personnel to support Madagascar’s military junta, according to Bloomberg on December 22. A Russian aircraft delivered 40 soldiers and 43 crates of weapons, including rifles and anti-tank systems, to Ivato International Airport on December 20. National Assembly Speaker Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko said the transfer was carried out under a “legitimate interstate cooperation agreement.”
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