The facilitation of U.S. visa processing procedures was discussed in New York between the President of the Refoundation and high-ranking American officials. Colonel Michaël Randrianirina stated that he raised this issue during his exchanges with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Franck Garcia, and Donald Trump’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos. However, he noted that this advocacy, as well as the efforts regarding the extension of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA), will not be easy.
“We are aware of your concerns and have already communicated them to the American authorities,” the Head of State announced to members of the Malagasy diaspora in the United States on Thursday in New York. Since August 1st, Madagascar is among the countries where U.S. visa applications are processed abroad. For Malagasy citizens, the process must now be completed in South Africa. The Head of State has requested that these services be reinstated in Antananarivo.
Colonel Michaël Randrianirina warned that the Malagasy advocacy effort will not be simple. “We have submitted our request, but they also have their own demands, which they have presented,” he explained. He alluded, without naming it directly, to the case of Vara Mada, a subsidiary of the American company Energy Fuels, which is still awaiting its operating permit. “This project located in Toliara is somewhat complicated,” he admitted, adding that “this may be why they are hesitant with us.” According to him, “the American authorities are fully behind this project.”
Beyond the visa issue, the President of the Refoundation also discussed the AGOA topic with American officials. While welcoming the extension of the preferential trade regime until the end of 2028, he emphasized that the subject will be back on the table by 2027, and the advocacy for further extension promises to be complex. “It will be difficult, but we will fight for it,” he assured.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-26 13:08:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/diplomatie-le-colonel-michael-randrianirina-demande-aux-etats-unis-de-revoir-les-modalites-doctroi-de-visa-pour-les-malgaches/