Southern African leaders on Wednesday urged Madagascar’s transitional government to launch inclusive national dialogue and prepare credible elections, signalling regional impatience with instability.
The Southern African Development Community summit called for reforms that welcome all political actors, including exiles, into a process shaping Madagascar’s democratic future.
In a post-summit communiqué, leaders stressed timely reforms creating conditions for political exiles to return peacefully and contribute meaningfully to reconciliation efforts.
The virtual summit, convened by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, reviewed findings from an SADC fact-finding mission deployed after Madagascar’s political upheaval.
That crisis erupted following an insurrection that forced then-president Andry Rajoelina to flee the Indian Ocean island nation.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, sworn in as head of a transitional authority, attended the meeting under the title President of the Re-Foundation.
Leaders reaffirmed SADC’s firm commitment to constitutional order, approving a regional panel of elders to guide mediation efforts.
The panel, led by former Malawian Vice President Joyce Banda, will support steps towards restoring stability, democracy and lasting peace.
Summit directives also tasked the panel to consult former Mozambican president Joachim Chissano on past interventions and unresolved constitutional issues.
Attention will focus on electoral reforms, the rule of law and alignment with SADC treaty principles, the communiqué said.
Following Madagascar’s decision to step down as SADC chair, Ramaphosa assumed interim leadership of the regional bloc.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was elected interim incoming chair and deputy chairperson, underscoring Lusaka’s rising regional role.