SADC urges calm as Madagascar plunges into political chaos

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed deep concern over the political and security crisis in Madagascar following reports of an attempted coup d’état and the confirmed flight of President Andry Rajoelina amid widespread protests and growing military unrest.

In a statement issued on Monday, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, described the situation as alarming and reaffirmed the regional bloc’s commitment to supporting Madagascar in restoring peace, constitutional order, and democratic governance.

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“The Community is particularly alarmed by reports of an attempted coup d’état, which threatens the peace, stability, democratic and constitutional order of the country,” Professor Mutharika said in the statement.

He expressed SADC’s solidarity with the people of Madagascar during what he called a “challenging time” and extended condolences to families affected by recent violence.

SADC has also condemned the loss of life, injuries, and destruction of property resulting from ongoing demonstrations, warning that such developments undermine the region’s core values of peace, unity, and democracy.

The organization called on all political actors and citizens in Madagascar to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law, and engage in inclusive dialogue to resolve differences peacefully.

It also urged law enforcement agencies to act with professionalism and impartiality, consistent with international human rights laws, while encouraging citizens to express their concerns through lawful and nonviolent means.

As part of its response, the regional body announced plans to deploy a Fact-Finding Mission of the SADC Panel of Elders to Madagascar to help facilitate dialogue, assess the situation on the ground, and support efforts to restore institutional normalcy and national cohesion.

Mutharika has reiterated SADC’s readiness to collaborate with national authorities, regional partners, and international stakeholders to help Madagascar return to stability.

“SADC remains steadfast in its commitment to the principles of unity, solidarity, democracy, and the rule of law — principles that are essential for the peace, stability, and prosperity of our region,” he said.

Madagascar’s political turmoil intensified over the past week as President Andry Rajoelina confirmed he had fled to a “safe place” following an alleged assassination attempt amid mass protests and divisions within the military.

In a live address streamed on Facebook, the 51-year-old leader did not disclose his location but said he remained committed to finding “constitutional solutions” to the crisis despite threats to his life.

Multiple reports indicate that Rajoelina left Madagascar aboard a French army aircraft on Sunday after the military declared its support for protest movements demanding his resignation.

His departure followed days of escalating demonstrations in the capital, Antananarivo, and other cities, where thousands of young protesters voiced frustration over economic hardship, unemployment, and alleged government corruption.

The military’s shift in allegiance to the protesters has been viewed as a critical turning point, significantly weakening Rajoelina’s control over the state and raising fears of a potential coup.

The president’s absence and the volatile situation have deepened uncertainty about Madagascar’s political trajectory and the country’s fragile democratic institutions.

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