Richard Randriamandrato, the foreign minister of Madagascar, was dismissed by presidential order on Tuesday as a result of his support for a resolution at the UN General Assembly earlier this month that denounced Russia’s “illegal” annexation of four districts of eastern Ukraine.
“The Minister of National Defense in the person of General Rakotonirina Richard is responsible for ensuring the interim of the Minister of Foreign Affairs,“ Anadolu Agency reported a decree issued by the Malagasy presidency said.
According to a press release from the presidency, this decision was made “due to urgency” and in response to “the recommendation of Prime Minister Ntsay Christian.”
The report also stated that the Madagascar officials who signed the decree did not disclose any additional information regarding the dismissal’s justifications.
Randriamandrato, however, revealed Tuesday that he was let off for denouncing Russia’s annexation of a portion of Ukraine at the UN General Assembly on October 12.
After serving as the Finance and Budget Minister from 2019 to 2021, Randriamandrato had been in the position for almost seven months.
In contrast to him, Rakotonirina and other Malagasy authorities have consistently stated Madagascar’s neutral stance in the crisis between Ukraine and Russia.
Among the African nations who opposed the US resolution denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was Madagascar.
