The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government are set to hold an emergency summit to deliberate on the unfolding political developments in Madagascar, where the regional bloc’s sitting chairperson was recently ousted in a military coup.
The development has triggered regional concern, with the new Madagasy authorities announcing their formal withdrawal from the SADC chairmanship, prompting the need for urgent consultation among member states.
According to an official statement released recently, the South African cabinet has approved the SADC Executive Secretary, Mr Elias Magosi, to temporarily assume the role of interim chairperson pending a final decision by the Heads of State. This move aims to ensure continuity of leadership within the regional body while maintaining adherence to its founding treaty and governance protocols.
SADC Secretariat Head of Communications and Public Relations, Ms Barbra Lopi, confirmed that the extraordinary summit will provide direction on how the bloc will proceed in response to Madagascar’s political crisis.
“From a legal point of view, Articles 9A, 2B, and 10A of the SADC Treaty stipulate that the incoming chairperson should assume interim leadership when the sitting chairperson is unable to perform their duties. However, this matter will be further discussed at the upcoming summit, and we will have feedback thereafter,” she said.
This is not the first time Madagascar has faced suspension from regional and continental bodies. In 2009, following a similar military-led change of government, SADC imposed a suspension which was only lifted five years later during the 2014 Summit of Heads of State and Government after democratic order was restored.
The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council has already taken a firm stance, suspending Madagascar from all AU activities as of 15 October, citing an unconstitutional seizure of power. The Council also called for a swift and inclusive civilian-led transition that would pave the way for credible elections and a full return to constitutional order.
As the SADC summit approaches, regional leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to democratic governance, constitutionalism, and political stability within the bloc. The meeting’s outcomes will be crucial in shaping SADC’s coordinated response to yet another test of regional peace and unity.
