The Southern African Development Community, SADC, has announced the establishment of a liaison office in Madagascar to monitor political reforms following the bloodless coup in October 2025.
The regional bloc is also calling for the restoration of constitutional order and for long-term stability across the Indian Ocean island nation.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says SADC will extend the mandate of its Panel of Elders to deepen engagement in Madagascar.
He says the bloc remains committed to democratic governance and supports a transition backed by a clear election timetable.
Ramaphosa also warned that Africa cannot afford prolonged political transitions without strong institutions and legitimate governance solutions.
SADC says it will step up monitoring of the situation, issuing quarterly reports on Madagascar’s political developments in the months and years ahead.
The bloc has also reiterated its call for the release of political prisoners, an end to arbitrary detentions, and the return of exiled figures as key priorities.
Madagascar is currently led by Colonel Michael Randrinirina, who took power on October 17, 2025, after protests and a shift in military alignment during the transition.
He emerged from the elite CAPSAT unit and has said elections cannot be held within the previously planned 30 to 60 days.
Former president Andry Rajoelina was removed amid protests and reportedly evacuated on a French aircraft, with his current whereabouts still unknown.
Madagascar has experienced repeated coups since 1960, with long-standing challenges including corruption, weak public services, and ongoing political instability.