Tag Archives: Madagascar political crisis

Politics, Regional

SADC appoints Joyce Banda to lead high-level peace mission to Madagascar

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has approved the appointment of former Malawian President Joyce Banda to head a high-level peace mission to Madagascar by March 2026.

The mission has been mandated to facilitate and support ongoing efforts aimed at restoring political stability, democracy, and lasting peace in Madagascar.

The decision was reached during an emergency virtual SADC summit held yesterday.

During the meeting, the Summit received a report from the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President Peter Mutharika, on the findings of a technical mission that was conducted in Madagascar in October this year. President Mutharika was represented at the Summit by Malawi’s First Vice President, Dr. Jane Ansah.

In addition to approving the peace mission, SADC set clear timelines for Madagascar’s transitional government, led by Colonel Andry Rajoelina, to initiate an inclusive, Malagasy-owned and Malagasy-led national dialogue.

The dialogue is expected to pave the way for fresh elections and facilitate the peaceful return of political exiles.

According to the Summit communiqué, Madagascar has been directed to submit a dialogue readiness report together with a draft National Roadmap by 28 February 2026.

The country will thereafter be required to provide periodic progress updates to the Chairperson of the SADC Organ in May, August, and November 2026.

SADC reiterated its commitment to supporting Madagascar in achieving sustainable peace and democratic governance through inclusive political processes.

Politics, Regional

Hichilema tapped as interim SADC Chair to stabilise Madagascar

Burnett Munthali

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.

Politics, Regional

Mutharika delegates JB to lead SADC fact-finding mission to Madagascar

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika has appointed former Malawi leader Joyce Banda (JB) to lead a SADC fact-finding mission to Madagascar amid political and security unrest following reports of an attempted coup in the Island nation.

Mutharika is Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

The mission aims to engage Madagascar’s government and stakeholders to reduce tensions and promote inclusive dialogue.

Banda, a member of the SADC Panel of Elders, will be joined by Mediation Reference Group members Helen Lwegasila Brahim and Ambassador Joey M. Bimha, along with SADC Secretariat representatives.

In a statement, President Mutharika says the mission will engage Madagascar’s government and stakeholders in easing tensions and promoting inclusive dialogue.

The mission also will investigate the root causes of the current political and security crisis.

Mutharika has urged law enforcement agencies to act with professionalism, impartiality, and restraint, in accordance with international human rights standards.

“SADC reiterates its call for all parties involved in the current crisis to choose the path of restraint, peace, and dialogue. No further Malagasy lives should be lost due to the unrest,” says Mutharika.

For her part, Banda has expressed hope that the mission will help restore peace and stability through inclusive and lasting solutions.

There is political unrest in Madagascar.

Politics, Regional

Michael Randrianirina declares himself Madagascar’ President

Jones Gadama

ANTANANARIVO-(MaraviPost)-Military coup leader in Madagascar Michael Randrianirina has announced that he is assuming the role of president, citing an invitation from the country’s High Constitutional Court.

According to reports, Randrianirina’s elite Capsat unit joined forces with anti-government protesters on Saturday, prompting Rajoelina to abandon his post.

The unit’s defection marked a significant turning point in the weeks-long protests, which were initially sparked by grievances over basic services such as electricity and water.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Randrianirina expressed his intention to be sworn in as the new president soon.

“There must be an oath-taking” to formalize his position, he said.

The colonel also announced plans to appoint a new prime minister who would form a government, although no timeline has been given.

Rajoelina, who has been president since 2018, has condemned the takeover as an “illegal coup attempt by a rebel faction.”

His departure comes after weeks of protests led by young people, who were joined by civic groups and trade unions.

The demonstrations, which began over issues such as power outages and water shortages, have snowballed into a broader movement demanding accountability and political change.

The protests have been marked by violence, with at least 22 people killed and dozens injured, according to the United Nations.

The African Union has convened an emergency meeting of its security council, but no significant response has been forthcoming.

As the situation in Madagascar continues to unfold, concerns are growing about the country’s stability and future.

Randrianirina’s assumption of power has sparked debate, with some analysts criticizing the military’s involvement in politics.

“This is a civil society uprising, and its resolution should not involve the military,” said Olufemi Taiwo, professor of Africana studies at Cornell University.

The international community’s response will be crucial in determining Madagascar’s trajectory.

Meanwhile, the people of Madagascar wait with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.