A fresh controversy has erupted in Madagascar over the disputed transfer of five aircraft tied to Madagascar Airlines, as former airline board chair Rinah Rakotomanga publicly accused Transport and Meteorology Minister Valéry Ramonjavelo of orchestrating a cover-up and administrative manipulation to facilitate the planes’ movement to Iran.
Rakotomanga, a prominent figure in President Andry Rajoelina’s political circle, alleged that the minister pressured the Civil Aviation Authority of Madagascar (ACM) to rush the issuance of key documents, including certificates of registration (CIP) and airworthiness (CDN), for the aircraft.
She claimed the process was a deliberate scheme “orchestrated to make people believe the planes were meant to revive Air Madagascar,” while in reality, she said, they were diverted to Iran under a pre-arranged deal.
In her statement, Rakotomanga also criticised what she called “misleading promises” made to Air Madagascar employees. The flag carrier remains in receivership, yet, according to her, the aircraft were instead used to bolster Madagascar Airlines, a recently formed entity.
Her accusations followed an official ACM statement issued last Saturday, which denied government involvement in any aeronautical operation involving Iran. The aviation authority maintained that the registrations were processed “in accordance with current standards” and insisted that no irregularities had been identified during the procedures. However, the controversy deepened after claims surfaced that the documents were falsified — prompting Malagasy authorities to file a legal complaint.
The allegations gained traction after international media reports last week suggested that five planes, after administrative processing in Madagascar, were delivered to Iran, raising suspicions of sanctions evasion. These reports have fuelled speculation of abuse of power, falsification of documents, and possible diplomatic repercussions.
Rakotomanga’s remarks have injected political urgency into the scandal. She has urged President Rajoelina and Prime Minister Christian Ntsay to “fully uncover the truth” behind what she calls “a serious deviation,” warning that a culture of “excessive greed” is “pushing the country towards the abyss.
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