SADC deepens Madagascar mission for democracy

Southern African leaders have agreed to significantly deepen their involvement in Madagascar’s political transition by establishing a regional liaison office, expanding the mandate of SADC mediators and committing to remain engaged until constitutional rule is restored, marking the bloc’s strongest intervention yet to help steer the island nation back to democracy.

Prime Minister Eliajah Ngurare represented Namibia at this high table meeting.

The decision was taken on Monday during an Extraordinary Virtual Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, following a review of the political and security situation in Madagascar.

The summit approved a series of measures that significantly expand SADC’s role in Madagascar’s transition. These include broadening the mandate of the SADC Panel of Elders to oversee reconciliation, electoral reforms and preparations for a constitutional referendum and general elections, while also approving the establishment of a SADC Liaison Office in Antananarivo to coordinate regional support throughout the transition.