The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has approved the deployment of a Panel of Elders and a Mediation Reference Group to Madagascar to support efforts aimed at restoring political stability, constitutional order and democratic governance.
This was announced in a communiqué issued following the virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held on Wednesday.
The summit received a report from the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Malawian President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, on the Technical Fact-Finding Mission to Madagascar conducted from 19 to 26 October 2025.
The mission assessed the political and security situation through consultations with a wide range of stakeholders.
“Summit welcomed the restoration of calm in Madagascar, noted the national consultation processes launched by the Transitional Government on 10 December 2025, and reaffirmed its commitment to remain engaged with the political and security situation in the Republic of Madagascar until an elected government is established through electoral processes,” the Communique said.
The summit urged the Transitional Government of Madagascar, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, to initiate an inclusive, Malagasy-owned and led national dialogue during the transitional period. This process is expected to pave the way for fresh elections and facilitate the peaceful return of political exiles.
SADC further called on the Transitional Government to ensure that reform processes are timely, inclusive of all stakeholders, and create a conducive environment for meaningful participation, including by political exiles.
As part of its decisions, the summit approved the deployment of the SADC Panel of Elders by March 2026, to be led by former Malawian President Dr Joyce Banda, together with the Mediation Reference Group and supported by the SADC Secretariat. The structures will facilitate and support ongoing efforts to restore political stability, democracy and peace in Madagascar.
The summit also directed the Panel of Elders to engage former Mozambican President Dr Joaquim Chissano, SADC’s Special Envoy to Madagascar, to provide context on previous interventions and outstanding issues, particularly regarding constitutional reforms, electoral processes and the rule of law.
In reaffirming the region’s stance, the summit emphasised SADC’s strong commitment to protecting constitutional rule and democratic governance, and to restoring peace and democracy in Madagascar.
Madagascar was directed to submit a dialogue readiness report and a draft National Roadmap by 28 February 2026, with further progress updates scheduled for May, August and November 2026.
On organisational matters, following the appointment of President Cyril Ramaphosa as Chairperson of SADC, the summit appointed Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema as the Interim Incoming Chairperson of the regional body.
The summit further directed the SADC Secretariat to coordinate with the African Union and international partners to mobilise financial, technical and logistical resources to support reforms and ensure coordinated interventions.
Leaders expressed appreciation to President Mutharika for his leadership as Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, as well as to President Ramaphosa for his leadership and contribution to advancing SADC’s regional agenda.
The Extraordinary Summit concluded with a reaffirmation of collective commitment by SADC Heads of State and Government to peace, security and regional integration in Southern Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
