The military parade is the highlight of the Independence Day celebrations. The current administration of the Republic’s Refoundation has not deviated from the rule; however, for this major first at the Barea Stadium, it has opted for a classic parade format.
A return to basics. General Ely Razafitombo, Minister of the Armed Forces, announced this in an interview published on Wednesday. The authorities of the Republic’s Refoundation wanted the military parade to be “a return to the roots, with strict adherence to military ceremonial protocols.”
This directive was respected during the military parade that took place at the Barea Stadium in Mahamasina yesterday. The parade returned to a more classic format—entirely rhythmic with a military tone, without any added effects. The tone was set upon the arrival of Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, Head of State, at the venue. An arrival without ostentatious announcements. After greeting the main military officials who welcomed him, he stood before the Armed Forces banner for the national anthem, performed by the army band.
The leader of Iavoloha then conducted the troop review on foot, despite the “Command car” intended for him, as the Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, being already prepared. The choice to conduct the review on foot could be explained by security reasons. A double security curtain was set up around the leader of Iavoloha during the review, including several elements armed with assault rifles. Walking the track also facilitated the movement of the security detail.
The troop review, paced by the military band, was carried out with a martial tone. With a stern face, upright posture, and fixed gaze, Colonel Randrianirina, dressed in traditional silk attire with a “Lamba” over his shoulder, assumed his posture as a senior officer. During the review, he had no interaction with the public until he reached his seat in the honor tribune, which was framed by armored glass.
As the troops took their positions, the parade began at 10:38 AM. For two hours, more than 3,300 personnel, including 2,900 on foot, marched before the audience under the leadership of the commander, General Heritiana Rakotoharimanana, Chief of Staff of the Army. This relatively long passage time can be explained by the fact that the marching cadence returned to the classic 120 steps per minute.
Notable Absences
The duration of the troops’ passage and the cold weather in Mahamasina dampened the public’s fervor. Even the fast-paced march of the intervention and elite units of the army, gendarmerie, and police was not enough to boost the atmosphere. However, this is usually the main highlight of the military parade each year. Furthermore, the classic format was also the rule regarding the layout of the troops’ march.
The passage time for each entity of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) was very distinct. The only exception involved the special forces and their trot. Yesterday’s military parade was also announced as an opportunity to showcase new military equipment to the public. For the first time, tactical reconnaissance drones were displayed outside the context of operations or exercises.
One of the two new tanks donated by Russia was also part of the parade, as well as new vehicles and trucks provided to the military engineering regiment. The two Mi-8 helicopters, also gifts from Russia, were the notable absentees.
“This is a ceremony planned to the millimeter, reflecting the discipline and commitment of all elements that make up the Armed Forces,” General Razafitombo also stated in the interview published on Wednesday. Nevertheless, some false notes were detected during yesterday’s ceremony. Notably, there was a discrepancy in the planned timing. The military ceremony itself was supposed to start at 10:00 AM, the time of the Head of State’s arrival.
However, the leader of Iavoloha entered the Barea Stadium at 10:13 AM. There was also an overlap between the protocol timing and the cultural performance that preceded the ceremony. A choir was invited to take the stage just as the Head of State arrived. Ultimately, the choir could not sing because the presidential arrival signaled the start of the military ceremony. Moreover, several spectators were still stuck in lines at the stadium entrances even though the parade had already begun.
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-27 06:00:04 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/defile-militaire-retour-au-format.html