Southern African bloc urges Madagascar transitional government to initiate dialogue, hold elections, facilitate peaceful return of 'political exiles'

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - A Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government summit Wednesday urged the Col. Michael Randrianirina-led Madagascar transitional government to initiate an inclusive national dialogue process, pave the way for new elections and facilitate the peaceful return of “political exiles.”

The "summit further called for the transitional government of Madagascar to ensure that the reform processes are timely, inclusive of all stakeholders and create a conducive environment in which political exiles can contribute meaningfully to the dialogue," according to a communique after the virtual summit.

The summit was called by SADC Chairperson and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to consider the report of a technical fact-finding mission deployed to Madagascar in October by the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation after the Indian Ocean island nation faced political insurrection, leading President Andry Rajoelina to flee.

Randrianirina, who was part of Wednesday's summit, was sworn in as President of the Re-Foundation of the Republic of Madagascar.

The summit reaffirmed the region's strong position on protecting constitutional rule and democratic governance, approving the deployment of a regional panel of elders led by former Malawi Vice President Joyce Banda and a mediation reference group to support processes of restoring political stability, democracy and peace.

The “summit directed the panel of elders to engage SADC special envoy to Madagascar and former President of Mozambique Joachim Chissano to provide contextual background on previous interventions and outstanding issues, focusing on constitutional reforms, electoral processes and the rule of law in line with the SADC Treaty," it said.

Following Madagascar's decision to step down as SADC chair last month, Ramaphosa became interim bloc chairperson and subsequently chairperson.

The summit also elected Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema as SADC interim incoming chairperson and the bloc's deputy chairperson.