For Arnaud Guillois, this July 14th held special significance. Far from being a simple celebration of France's national holiday, the reception held Monday at the Residence of France in Ivandry marked his final major diplomatic engagement in Madagascar. In a speech blending personal and political tones, the ambassador praised Franco-Malagasy relations while reflecting on events that marked the September 2025 crisis and the advent of the Republic's Refoundation. After nearly four years of service, Arnaud Guillois has already made his official farewells to the president of the Refoundation, Michaël Randrianirina, and to the Foreign Affairs minister. The July 14th ceremony thus took on the character of a final message addressed to Malagasy authorities and their partners.
At the heart of his remarks, the French diplomat highlighted the decisive role of Malagasy youth. "Youth is not merely the future of the country; it is already a political, economic and civic actor whose voice must be heard, respected and taken into account," he declared before guests gathered in Ivandry. Guillois went further by directly addressing the September 2025 events that led to the regime change. "From the establishment of the Republic's Refoundation, France chose constructive engagement alongside it, insofar as it intends to respond to the aspirations of Madagascar's population, particularly those expressed with courage by its youth, sometimes at the cost of blood and freedom: the aspiration to a dignified life, meeting the essential needs of the population, fighting corruption, improving governance," he affirmed.
The reception brought together a significant government delegation led by Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison. Several executive members attended the French embassy's invitation. However, one absence drew attention. None of the four senior military advisors to the Refoundation presidency participated in the Ivandry ceremony.