LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-President Hakainde Hichilema has been elected as the Interim Incoming Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), marking a significant leadership transition within the regional bloc.
The announcement was made by SADC Interim Chairperson and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the closing session of the SADC Virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.
The extraordinary summit was convened to focus specifically on the evolving political situation in Madagascar, which continues to demand regional attention and intervention.
President Ramaphosa clarified that President Hichilema’s election as Interim Incoming Chairperson remains subject to formal confirmation in line with SADC procedures.
He further announced that SADC has resolved to deploy a Panel of Elders to Madagascar as part of efforts to support dialogue and promote a peaceful transition.
The Panel of Elders will engage with all relevant stakeholders in Madagascar with the aim of facilitating stability and guiding the country toward democratic elections.
President Ramaphosa commended SADC Member States for demonstrating unity of purpose in addressing the crisis, noting that regional solidarity remains central to SADC’s mandate.
He welcomed the restoration of calm in Madagascar, describing it as a positive development that must be sustained through continued engagement and support.
The SADC Chairperson emphasized that the regional body will remain actively involved until a democratically elected government is fully installed in Madagascar.
President Ramaphosa also encouraged Madagascar to consider initiating a national dialogue process that would enable citizens currently in political exile to return home and participate freely in the country’s political life.
Reading the official communiqué, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi disclosed that the Panel of Elders will be led by former Malawian President Joyce Banda.
The resolutions adopted at the summit underscore SADC’s commitment to peace, democratic governance, and collective responsibility in safeguarding stability across the Southern African region.
