South Africa has been appointed interim chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) following Madagascar’s decision to relinquish leadership of the regional bloc due to ongoing political unrest.
The decision was confirmed during a virtual extraordinary summit of SADC heads of state and government held late Friday.
Madagascar’s withdrawal comes amid continued instability following nationwide protests in September that resulted in the ouster of former president Andry Rajoelina, and loss of life and damage to public infrastructure.
The unrest has raised concerns over the country’s ability to fulfil its leadership responsibilities within the regional body.
Madagascar, which was represented at the summit by transitional president Michael Randrianirina, cited the political developments as the reason for stepping down.
“Summit acknowledged that, in accordance with Articles 9A(2)(b) and 10(4) of the SADC Treaty, the Incoming Chairperson (Deputy Chairperson) shall assume interim leadership should the sitting Chair be unable to fulfil their duties,” a communique issued at the end of the meeting said.
“In this regard, the Republic of South Africa was appointed as Interim Chair of SADC until August 2026.”
The SADC Secretariat will consult member states to identify a new deputy chairperson by 30 November in accordance with the bloc’s rotational leadership principle.
The summit, convened by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, was attended by leaders and representatives from 15 of the 16 member states, including Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Angola. Only Comoros was not represented.
Despite the leadership transition, SADC will continue implementing the theme adopted at its 45th Summit in Antananarivo: “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.”
Outgoing Chairperson President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe offered to host selected SADC meetings during the interim period.
JN/APA