Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
MALAGASY President Michael Randrianirina has assured Sadc that the report requested by the regional bloc outlining the country’s path to democratic stability as well as a dialogue readiness report and a draft national roadmap, will be submitted by the end of February.
This comes after Madagascar experienced political challenges late last year, leading to military-backed transition of power.
The Sadc member State consequently announced its withdrawal from the bloc’s chair, citing the need to focus on building strong institutions and strengthen national cohesion.
Sadc Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi is in Madagascar where he held a meeting with the country’s President.
In a communiqué, the Sadc Secretariat said Mr Magosi and President Randrianirina exchanged views on Madagascar’s national transition, including the ongoing inclusive national dialogue process aimed at constitutional reforms and the organisation of future elections.
SADC also reiterated its readiness to support Madagascar as a valued member as it advances towards peace, stability, constitutional order and inclusive development.
“President Randrianirina reaffirmed Madagascar’s commitment to the principles and objectives of SADC, regional peace and security, and assured that the report requested by the SADC Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government would be submitted by end February 2026.
“President Randrianirina assured the Executive Secretary that electoral reform remains a priority,” reads the communiqué.
The Secretariat said President Randrianirina highlighted that while Madagascar’s Parliament is presently functioning as a unicameral legislature, decisions on institutional reforms will be guided by the outcomes of the national dialogue process.
SADC said the meeting also reaffirmed the regional body’s continued engagement with Madagascar and focused on key regional priorities, including regional integration, infrastructure development, climate change, peace and security and economic transformation.
“The Executive Secretary underscored the importance of mobilising sustainable resources for development and highlighted the SADC Regional Development Fund (RDF) as a critical instrument to support infrastructure development and regional programmes.
“He encouraged member States to accelerate ratification of the RDF Agreement to enable its implementation,” said SADC.
Discussions addressed the need to strengthen regional industrialisation by promoting value addition, developing regional value chains and enhancing intra-regional trade. Climate change was also highlighted as a pressing challenge requiring coordinated regional responses and sustainable solutions.
