French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to host Madagascar's new leader, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, at the Elysée Palace on Tuesday, February 20, 2026. This marks Randrianirina's first official visit to France since assuming power following a coup d'état in October. The meeting will focus on France's support for Madagascar's transition period and the renewal of bilateral partnerships. The visit occurs shortly after Randrianirina's trip to Moscow, where he met with Vladimir Putin, highlighting Madagascar's recent rapprochement with Russia amidst growing geopolitical competition in Africa. The discussions will also address France and international partners' efforts to meet the needs of the Malagasy people, particularly the youth.