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U.S., Malagasy leaders discuss maritime security, humanitarian aid

Brig. Gen. Peter Bailey, deputy director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs, U.S. Africa Command, met with Madagascar's Minister of Defense, Lt. Gen. Richard Rakotonirina, on Nov. 10, 2022, to discuss shared Malagasy and U.S. concerns.

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Photo by: U.S. Embassy in Madagascar 

Combatting transnational crime is a goal shared by the U.S. government and Malagasy security forces, government and civil society.

To advance that goal, Brig. Gen. Peter Bailey, deputy director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs, U.S. Africa Command, met with Madagascar's Minister of Defense, Lt. Gen. Richard Rakotonirina, on Nov. 10, 2022, to discuss shared Malagasy and U.S. concerns about maritime security, illegal unregulated, unreported fishing, human trafficking, theft of natural resources, and the humanitarian crises caused by droughts and cyclones.

The U.S. stands side-by-side with Malagasy government to address these issues that threaten the safety and prosperity of the Malagasy people.

U.S. Africa Command donated $1.6 million in humanitarian daily rations to combat food insecurity in the South. U.S. Africa Command also collaborates with Madagascar to strengthen maritime security through annual multinational exercises such as Cutlass Express.

Through the International Military Education and Training program, U.S. Africa Command has facilitated training valued at $3.6 million to over 160 civilian and military leaders since 2017. 

The U.S. looks optimistically to continued defense cooperation and partnership with Madagascar.