SADC Deploys Peace Envoys to Madagascar as Transition Gains Momentum

Image: GCIS

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State today, announcing a decisive diplomatic intervention to ensure stability and democratic restoration in the Republic of Madagascar.

In his closing remarks, President Ramaphosa confirmed that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will deploy a Panel of Elders and a Mediation Reference Group to the island nation. This mission is tasked with engaging all local stakeholders to facilitate an inclusive process leading to free, fair, and credible elections.

A Roadmap for Stability

The Summit’s deliberations centered on the recent political shifts in Madagascar. While welcoming the restoration of calm, SADC leaders emphasized that the path forward must be "Malagasy-owned and led."

Key outcomes from the summit include:

• National Dialogue: SADC urged the Transitional Government, led by H.E. Colonel Micheal Randrianirina, to initiate a broad national dialogue.

• Return of Exiles: The regional body called for conditions that allow political exiles to return safely and contribute to the country’s reform.

• Reform Timeline: Leaders stressed that the transition must remain timely and inclusive to maintain regional trust.

  
  

"The decision we have taken... evidences our collective commitment to a peaceful and stable region," Ramaphosa stated, noting that instability in one member state impacts the entire bloc.

Regional Leadership Transition

Beyond the crisis in Madagascar, the summit marked a shift in regional leadership. President Ramaphosa formally congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia on his election as the incoming Chair of SADC.

Ramaphosa expressed his commitment to working closely with Hichilema to advance the organization’s mandate of "peace, security, and shared prosperity."

A Call for Unity

The President praised the "unity of purpose" displayed by the Heads of State during the virtual gathering. He concluded by calling on the Malagasy people to embrace reconciliation and development as they move toward an electoral cycle.

As the festive season approaches, the President reaffirmed that SADC will remain "actively engaged" in Madagascar’s security situation until a democratically elected government is fully established.