Madagascar marked the 66th anniversary of its independence on Friday, June 26, 2026, with a grand ceremony in Antananarivo. The event, featuring military and civilian parades, drew several foreign delegations, including one from Gabon. Representing President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Vice-President of the Government Hermann Immongault attended the festivities and later held a private meeting with Malagasy President Michaël Randrianirina.
During the audience, Immongault handed over an official written message from President Oligui Nguema to his Malagasy counterpart. “Madagascar and Gabon enjoy excellent relations. I was the bearer of an official message from the head of state to his counterpart,” he stated after the meeting. He also noted that President Randrianirina spoke about his recent stay in Libreville and reiterated his commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties. According to Immongault, both countries share numerous common potentialities, particularly in the maritime, economic, and institutional spheres.
Experience sharing
The vice-president of the government highlighted that Gabon and Madagascar, both members of the African Union, face similar concerns regarding governance, institutional stability, and South-South cooperation. He recalled that Madagascar was suspended from the continental body during its political transition, while Gabon recently underwent a comparable period. In this context, Libreville aims to share its experience with Malagasy authorities, especially given its seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council.
Immongault indicated that President Randrianirina expressed interest in the Gabonese transition management model, seeking to draw lessons adapted to his own country’s situation. This convergence of views reflects the desire of both states to consolidate a partnership based on experience exchange and political cooperation. The celebration of Madagascar’s national day thus provided a special platform to reaffirm the friendly ties between Libreville and Antananarivo, as well as their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and stability across the African continent.
