Southern African leaders have urged Madagascar’s transitional government to commit to clear, time‑bound and transparent reforms as the country navigates a politically sensitive transition marked by rising tensions and demands for constitutional restoration.
The call was made during an Extraordinary South African Development Community (SADC) Summit held virtually on Monday and chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following a report on recent fact‑finding and diplomatic missions to Madagascar.
The missions, led by former Malawian president Joyce Banda under the SADC Panel of Elders, assessed the political and security situation through consultations with a wide range of Malagasy stakeholders.
Madagascar has been in a volatile transition since the formation of the “Refoundation” government under army officer Michael Randrianirina following youth-led protests against alleged mismanagement by the country’s former leader Andry Rajoelina.
The country has faced protests, arrests of opposition figures and growing concerns over constitutional rule, prompting SADC to intensify mediation efforts.
Summit leaders commended the work of the Panel of Elders and reaffirmed support for Madagascar’s return to stability, constitutional order and democratic governance.
They urged Randrianirina’s government to ensure that reforms are inclusive, widely communicated in national languages and accepted by the Malagasy people.
“Summit stressed the importance of protecting constitutional rule and democratic
governance, emphasizing that reforms must ultimately restore constitutional order
and lead to a democratically elected government, without delaying the will of the
Malagasy people,” a communique issued after the meeting said.
The summit also called for the release of political prisoners, an end to arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders and Generation Z activists and the safe return of political exiles.
Leaders emphasised the need for national consultations, reconciliation and fair conduct by all stakeholders, including the Council of Christian Churches, which plays a key role in mediation.
To strengthen oversight, SADC expanded the mandate of the Panel of Elders to include reconciliation, electoral reform and preparations for the referendum and general elections.
It also approved the establishment of a SADC Liaison Office in Antananarivo to coordinate regional support during the transition.
JN/APA