Antananarivo, Madagascar – On Friday, June 26, 2026, Malagasy officials commemorated the 66th anniversary of the Republic of Madagascar’s independence, originally declared on June 26, 1960. The solemn official ceremony, which featured impressive military and civilian parades, brought together numerous international delegations, including a significant representation from Gabon. Hermann Immongault, the Vice-President of the Government of Gabon, attended the festivities as the representative of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. Following the celebrations, Vice-President Immongault was granted an audience with Malagasy President Michaël Randrianirina.

During this important meeting, Hermann Immongault conveyed an official message from the Gabonese head of state to his Malagasy counterpart. “Madagascar and Gabon maintain excellent relations. I was entrusted with an official message from our head of state to his counterpart,” Immongault stated after the discussion. He also noted that President Randrianirina fondly recalled his recent visit to Libreville and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. Immongault highlighted that both countries possess substantial shared potential, particularly in the maritime, economic, and institutional sectors.

Sharing invaluable experiences

The Gabonese Vice-President emphasized that both Gabon and Madagascar, as esteemed members of the African Union, share common concerns regarding effective governance, institutional stability, and robust South-South cooperation. He pointed out that Madagascar had faced a period of suspension from the continental organization during its political transition, a situation Gabon itself recently navigated. In this context, Libreville is keen to offer its valuable experience to the Malagasy authorities, leveraging its position as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council.

Hermann Immongault revealed that the Malagasy President expressed keen interest in Gabon’s model for managing political transitions, seeking insights that could be adapted to Madagascar’s unique national context. This alignment of perspectives underscores both states’ dedication to forging a stronger partnership built on the exchange of experiences and political collaboration. The celebration of Madagascar’s national day thus provided an opportune platform to reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship between Libreville and Antananarivo, alongside their shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and fostering stability across the African continent.