The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has swiftly moved to address the escalating political crisis in Madagascar, following a recent military takeover and the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina.
In a decisive move to foster stability and dialogue, SADC has resolved to immediately dispatch a Fact-finding Mission composed of the SADC Panel of Elders to the island nation. The mission’s primary objective is to create a conducive environment for inclusive and constructive dialogue among all Malagasy stakeholders.
The Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Arthur Peter Mutharika, confirmed the decision in a statement issued on Monday, 13 October.
Calls for Calm and Constitutional Rule
Mutharika strongly urged all parties in Madagascar to maintain calm, exercise restraint, and strictly respect the rule of law and constitutional governance. The directive comes after President Rajoelina was reportedly ousted and fled the country over the weekend, leading to his impeachment by lawmakers.
“As part of the efforts aimed at facilitating an early return to order in Madagascar and ending the crisis in that country, the SADC Organ stands ready to work in close collaboration with national authorities and regional partners to facilitate dialogue and support efforts aimed at restoring institutional normalcy and national cohesion,” Mutharika stated.
He further emphasized the necessity of a peaceful resolution, calling for dialogue that safeguards the rights, freedoms, and dignity of all citizens.
The regional body remains steadfast in its commitment to the core principles of unity, solidarity, democracy, and the rule of law, viewing them as fundamental to the peace and prosperity of the entire SADC region. The deployment of the Panel of Elders marks SADC’s rapid commitment to facilitating the restoration of order and achieving a lasting resolution to the crisis.
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