The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ Troika on Monday endorsed the findings of a fact-finding mission to Madagascar, paving the way for the report to be presented to regional Heads of State later this week.
The virtual Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit, chaired by Malawi’s Vice President, Jane Ansah, on behalf of President Peter Mutharika, reviewed the mission’s conclusions following youth-led demonstrations in Madagascar in October.
According to the Botswana-based SADC Secretariat, the Troika—comprising Malawi, Tanzania and Eswatini—reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in the region, stressing the importance of solidarity in supporting Madagascar’s efforts to restore calm.
“The leaders emphasised the importance of solidarity and collective action in supporting Madagascar’s efforts to restore calm and stability,” the SADC Secretariat said in a statement.
Madagascar has faced renewed political tensions since October, when protests led by youth groups erupted over economic hardship and alleged government mismanagement.
The unrest has revived concerns about instability in a country that has experienced repeated political crises since the 2009 ouster of President Marc Ravalomanana, including contested elections and fragile political transitions.
The endorsed report will now be tabled at an Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government later this week, where regional leaders are expected to deliberate on measures to assist Madagascar in navigating its latest crisis.
APA/Oyenike Oyeniyi