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President Peter Mutharika, in his capacity as the chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, has called for collective regional action to immediately restore constitutional order in Madagascar following a military takeover. Mutharika delivered the urgent appeal on Friday during a Sadc Extraordinary Virtual Summit of Heads of State and Government. “We must ensure the situation in Madagascar is resolved and that peace and the rule of law return,” Mutharika stressed. “Sadc must continue to play a collective peace-building and peace-making role in Southern Africa.” Following a military takeover of the government with interim President Colonel Michael Randrianirina being sworn in as leader on October 17, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina fled the country, citing threats on his life. This followed violent widespread anti-government protests, which were first triggered by water and power shortages, but subsequently grew to address other issues pertaining to poverty, corruption and political inequality. With its political future remaining uncertain, the country is anticipated to face international sanctions amid a volatile situation. In his message during the summit, Mutharika said it is important for Sadc member States to work together in ensuring that countries are united and development-oriented. Mutharika said: “The strength of Sadc lies in our collective resolve.” A communiqué issued after the summit by the Sadc secretariat yesterday stated that the regional bloc opted for Madagascar to relinquish its role as chairperson due to the recent political developments. The Sadc leaders said the decision was arrived at as the country has been affected to the extent that it cannot manage to discharge its duties as Sadc chairperson effectively; hence, the bloc appointed South Africa as interim chairperson until August 2026. “[The] summit acknowledged that, in accordance with Articles 9A (2) (b) and 10 (4) of the Sadc Treaty, the incoming chairperson shall assume interim leadership should the sitting chairperson be unable to fulfil their duties,” reads part of the communiqué. The communiqué said South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, who chaired the meeting, stressed that Madagascar’s situation demands urgent regional intervention to safeguard democratic governance and prevent further instability. He said: “Our collective sense of regional solidarity is our strongest currency. The challenges confronting our region are profound, but they are not terminal. We must act decisively to defend the gains we have made.” Ramaphosa further said Sadc will also commit to dialogue, inclusivity and ensure a peaceful transition in Madagascar. The ousted Madagascar President was stripped of his citizenship by the military regime, in an order signed by a newly-appointed Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo. The BBC a fortnight ago reported that Rajoelina, 51, obtained French citizenship a decade ago, prompting calls for his disqualification from the 2023 presidential election. He, however, defied the calls and went on to win the election.
