The United States has begun a capabilities‑based security assessment in Madagascar, a move officials say will determine how Washington expands and strengthens its security assistance to the Indian Ocean island nation in coming years.
A team from the US Africa Command (USAFRICOM) joined the US embassy in Madagascar this week to launch the assessment in Mahajanga, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.
The review will analyse Madagascar’s defence and security institutions, identify capability gaps and outline areas for deeper cooperation.
“This collaborative effort will identify shared security challenges, help better understand the roles and responsibilities of the defence and security institutions, assess their existing capabilities and identify gaps,” the statement from the embassy said.
The United States has provided security assistance to Madagascar for years, including training, maritime domain awareness support and military exchanges aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to counter trafficking, piracy, and other transnational threats in the Mozambique Channel.
“This assessment will help expand and strengthen the US-Madagascar security cooperation, developing sustainable solutions together while building on our historic bilateral military exchange through the years.”
JN/APA