The United States Embassy in Madagascar has entered a new phase of diplomatic transition with the appointment of Melanie Harris Higgins as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim. She will lead the U.S. diplomatic mission in Madagascar and the Comoros until a new ambassador is officially nominated and confirmed by Washington. Her appointment became effective on July 17, 2026, following the departure of Stephanie Arnold, who had been serving as acting head of mission after Ambassador Claire Pierangelo completed her tenure.
A career diplomat with nearly 30 years of experience at the U.S. Department of State, Higgins is regarded as one of the most seasoned American diplomats specializing in African affairs. Before arriving in Antananarivo, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, overseeing U.S. relations with Southern African countries as well as regional peace, security, and cooperation initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa. She also led the U.S. delegation at the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit held in Antananarivo, highlighting Madagascar’s growing strategic importance in Washington’s regional policy.
Higgins previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Burundi from 2021 to 2023 and has held diplomatic assignments in Indonesia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Australia, Cameroon, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. Her extensive international experience is expected to support the continuation of key bilateral initiatives between the United States and Madagascar, particularly in governance, economic development, environmental protection, regional security, public health, and investment.
During her first official remarks in Antananarivo, Higgins reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening ties with Madagascar.
“I look forward to working with you in the weeks ahead to further strengthen the already strong relationship between the United States and Madagascar,” she said, emphasizing the continuity of bilateral cooperation during this transitional period.
Her appointment comes at a time when the position of U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar remains vacant. As Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Higgins assumes full responsibility for the embassy’s diplomatic and administrative operations until a permanent ambassador is appointed.
The transition also coincides with an important change in U.S. consular services. Beginning August 1, 2026, the processing of U.S. visa applications for Madagascar will be transferred to the Regional Processing Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, as part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to streamline consular operations across Africa. This change will affect Malagasy applicants seeking visas to the United States.
More broadly, Higgins’ appointment reflects a period of diplomatic transition in Madagascar, where several major foreign missions including those of the United States, France, and Russia are currently headed by chargé d’affaires pending the appointment of new ambassadors. The coming months are therefore expected to mark a new chapter in Madagascar’s diplomatic engagement with its international partners.
