ANTANANARIVO – Combatting transnational crime is a goal shared by the U.S. government and Malagasy security forces, government, and civil society. To advance that goal, Brigadier General Peter Bailey, Deputy Director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs at the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) met with the Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Richard Rakotonirina on Thursday, November 10 to discuss shared Malagasy and U.S. concerns about maritime security, illegal unregulated, unreported (IUU) fishing, human trafficking, theft of natural resources, and the humanitarian crises caused by droughts and cyclones.
The United States stands side by side with Malagasy government like the mpirahalahy mianala to address these issues that threaten the safety and prosperity of the Malagasy people. USAFRICOM donated $1.6 million in humanitarian daily rations (HDR) to combat food insecurity in the South. USAFRICOM also collaborates with Madagascar to strengthen maritime security through annual multinational exercises such as CUTLASS EXPRESS. Through the International Military Education and Training (IMET), USAFRICOM has facilitated training valued at $3.6 million to over 160 civilian and military leaders since 2017. The United States looks optimistically to continued defense cooperation and partnership with Madagascar.