Madagascar: the contested ambassador of the European Union, Isabelle Delattre, is leaving

The head of European diplomacy, Isabelle Delattre-Burger, will leave Madagascar. The news was confirmed at the end of last week. Is this departure linked to the criticisms made by the Ambassador of the European Union towards Malagasy policy? Possible. Traditionally, the stay of diplomats posted abroad is five years (maximum).

Friday July 12, 2024, in relative anonymity, Isabelle Delattre-Burger, Ambassador of the European Union to Madagascar, was officially invited to return to Europe. In April 2024, following several declarations from the diplomat, the Malagasy executive requested her replacement.

This early “eviction” of the ambassador is probably linked to the diplomatic tensions that she had generated by criticizing decisions concerning the country’s internal policy.

At the start of the year, summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Isabelle Delattre-Burger was sharply called to order by the head of Malagasy diplomacy, who declared: “Rules must be respected in diplomatic relations and the principle of non-interference is included there,” specifies 2424.mg.

Isabelle Delattre-Burger replaced


This departure is not a surprise. The Ambassador’s statements took second place during the presidential and legislative elections. However, the final result being favorable to the outgoing executive, his replacement became inevitable.

The EU ambassador stationed in Ethiopia is expected to settle in Madagascar. The name of the Belgian diplomat, Roland Kobia, comes up regularly, according to L’Express de Madagascar.

This arrival should not take place before September and the turnover of European diplomats. The new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rafaravavitafika Rasata, also stressed to the press that the diplomatic relations of Madagascar and the EU “are in good shape”.

This article is originally published on la1ere.francetvinfo.fr

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