The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has resolved to send a team of mediators to Madagascar, to seek a lasting peaceful solution to the country. This emerged during the virtual Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government held on Wednesday. Madagascar was plunged into a crisis two months ago, following protests that led to toppling of President Andry Rajoelina.A transitional government has since been established, led by Colonel Micheal Randrianirina.
“The decision we have taken to deploy a Panel of Elders and Mediation Reference Group to Madagascar evidences our collective commitment to a peaceful and stable region.The Mission will engage with all the stakeholders in Madagascar to ensure there is an inclusive process leading up to the holding of free, fair and credible elections.We call on all the Malagasy people to take this opportunity to deeply reflect on the challenges facing their country and choose the path of peace, unity, reconciliation and development,” said SADC Interim Chairperson, Cyril Ramaphosa.
The summit welcomed the restoration of calm in Madagascar following weeks of daily protests and noted the national consultation processes launched by the transitional government last week. The transitional government has also been urged to initiate an inclusive national dialogue during the transitional period that is Malagasy-owned and led.
“This will pave the way for fresh elections and facilitate the peaceful return of political exiles. We have further called on the Transitional Government of Madagascar to ensure that the reform processes are timely, inclusive of all stakeholders, and create a conducive environment in which political exiles can contribute meaningfully,” added Ramaphosa.
The summit emphasised that it’ll remain actively engaged with the political and security situation in the island country, until an elected government is established through electoral processes.Furthermore, Ramaphosa said the situation in Madagascar, is in contrary with the SADC Vision 2050.‘The developments in Madagascar in September this year brought to the fore the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of our regional development objectives to attain our SADC Vision 2050. This vision seeks to achieve a region whose peoples live in peace and harmony and can realise their economic potential.Through our SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, we seek to promote and maintain peace, security, democracy and political stability in our region,” remarked Ramaphosa.
