In Antananarivo, Malagasy authorities marked the 66th anniversary of the Republic of Madagascar’s independence on Friday, June 26, 2026. The national celebration, commemorating the June 26, 1960, proclamation, featured impressive military and civilian parades, drawing numerous foreign delegations. Among them was the delegation from Gabon, led by Hermann Immongault, Vice-President of the Government, representing President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. Following the festivities, Vice-President Immongault held an important audience with Malagasy President Michaël Randrianirina.
During his visit, Hermann Immongault conveyed an official message from the Gabonese head of state to his Malagasy counterpart. Speaking after the meeting, he affirmed, «Madagascar and Gabon enjoy excellent relations. I was tasked with delivering an official message from our head of state to his counterpart.» Immongault also noted that President Randrianirina reflected on his recent visit to Libreville, reiterating his commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation. Both nations, he highlighted, possess significant shared potential, particularly across maritime, economic, and institutional sectors.
Sharing governance experiences
The Gabonese Vice-President emphasized that Gabon and Madagascar, both active members of the African Union, share common interests in governance, institutional stability, and fostering South-South cooperation. He drew attention to Madagascar’s past suspension from the continental body during its political transition, a period recently mirrored by Gabon. In this context, Libreville is keen to offer its valuable experience to Malagasy authorities, especially leveraging its role as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council.
Hermann Immongault revealed that the Malagasy President expressed keen interest in Gabon’s approach to managing its transition, seeking insights that could be adapted to Madagascar’s unique national context. This alignment of perspectives underscores both states’ commitment to forging a robust partnership built on mutual experience exchange and political cooperation. The celebration of Madagascar’s national day thus served as a prime opportunity to reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship between Libreville and Antananarivo, alongside their shared dedication to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting stability across the African continent.
