The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is set to deploy a high-level fact-finding mission to Madagascar, led by former Malawian President Joyce Banda, as regional alarm grows over the military takeover that ousted President Andry Rajoelina earlier this week.
The mission, announced Wednesday by Malawi’s President Arthur Mutharika in his capacity as chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, aims to engage Madagascar’s transitional authorities and civil society in efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore constitutional order.
“SADC is following with grave concern the recent political and security developments in Madagascar,” Mutharika said.
“SADC reaffirm its unwavering commitment to supporting Madagascar in her efforts to restore peace, uphold constitutional order and safeguard democratic governance.”
Banda will be joined by Mediation Reference Group members Helen Lwegasila Brahim and Joey Bimha, along with representatives from the SADC Secretariat.
The team will assess the situation and present its findings to the Organ Troika Summit.
The deployment followed the seizure of power by Colonel Michael Randrianirina and his elite CAPSAT army unit on Tuesday, moments after parliament voted to impeach Rajoelina.
The president fled the country amid escalating youth-led protests over water shortages, corruption and economic hardship.
Randrianirina, who is set to be sworn in as transitional president on Friday, has pledged elections within two years and promised institutional reforms.
He insists the takeover was not a coup but a necessary intervention to prevent national collapse.
Banda said she was hopeful the mission would “pave the way for inclusive and lasting solutions” and called on all Malagasy stakeholders to remain committed to unity and dialogue.
JN/APA