The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed deep concern over the political and social turmoil unfolding in Madagascar, calling for an immediate end to violence and a return to constitutional order.
In a communiqué issued after the Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, held virtually on 16 October 2025, regional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to help restore peace and democratic governance in the island nation.
The meeting, chaired by Malawi’s President Arthur Peter Mutharika in his capacity as Chairperson of the Organ, was attended by Tanzania’s Vice President Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango and Eswatini’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Polile Shakantu. Also present were ministers from the SADC Troika member states and the SADC Executive Secretary.
Appeal for Calm and Inclusive Dialogue
The summit urged all political actors in Madagascar to engage in inclusive dialogue as the only path toward lasting peace. It further called on all sides to refrain from violence, looting, and the destruction of property.
“The summit reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace, stability, and democratic governance,” the communiqué read. It also emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, especially youth, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Deployment of Fact-Finding Mission
SADC has endorsed the deployment of a technical fact-finding mission to Madagascar by 22 October 2025, supported by the SADC Secretariat. The mission is expected to gather information on the ground and report back to the Chairperson of the Organ by 31 October 2025.
Following the mission, SADC will convene another Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit to deliberate on the findings and determine further steps to address the political crisis.
Coordination with International Partners
The communiqué also directed the SADC Secretariat to coordinate closely with the African Union, the United Nations, and the Indian Ocean Commission to ensure a unified and complementary regional approach to stabilising Madagascar.
A comprehensive roadmap to end the crisis is expected to be developed with input from SADC’s Panel of Elders, the Mediation Reference Group, and the Secretariat. This plan will outline the necessary assistance and interventions required to support a return to democratic governance.
A United Front for Regional Stability
The summit extended appreciation to President Mutharika for his leadership in convening the urgent meeting and reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
“The Chairperson of the Organ Troika extended gratitude to Heads of State and Government for their participation and their continued commitment to promoting stability, peace, and security in the region, and the Republic of Madagascar in particular,” the statement concluded.
SADC’s intervention comes amid rising international concern about the political crisis in Madagascar, following reports of protests, alleged electoral disputes, and deepening divisions among the country’s political elite.
