Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
SADC has voiced deep concern over the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, reaffirming its solidarity with the Congolese people.
In a communiqué at the end of a virtual Extraordinary Sadc Summit of Heads of State and Government on Monday night, Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi warned that the worsening security situation posed a serious threat to peace, undermining regional integration.
Sadc further emphasised the urgent need for coordinated, cross-border responses to protect lives and contain the outbreak effectively.
“Summit reaffirmed its commitment to peace, security, democracy, good governance, and sustainable development, stressing that regional solidarity and cooperation are essential for building a united and prosperous Sadc Community,” he said.
Mr Magosi said the summit encouraged the Government of Madagascar, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, to remain committed to reforms that are clear, time-bound, transparent, inclusive of all Malagasy stakeholders and widely communicated in national languages to ensure broad participation and that the outcomes are accepted by the Malagasy people.
The summit stressed the importance of protecting constitutional rule and democratic governance, emphasising that reforms must ultimately restore constitutional order and lead to a democratically-elected government, without delaying the will of the Malagasy people.
“Summit emphasised the need for inclusive dialogue, reconciliation and national consultations during the transition and called on the Government, the Council of Christian Churches and all stakeholders to act fairly, respect the constitution, and build consensus.
“Summit called for the release of political prisoners, an end to arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders and Generation Z members, and the return of political exiles to the country.
“Summit expanded the mandate of the Panel of Elders to include reconciliation, electoral reform, and preparations for the referendum and general elections, and approved the setting up of a Sadc Liaison Office in Antananarivo, to coordinate support,” said Mr Magosi.
The summit received a report from the Chairperson of the Sadc Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Malawi President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika on the Fact-finding and Diplomatic Missions to Madagascar.
The missions, which were led by former President of Malawi Dr Joyce Banda and a member of the Sadc Panel of Elders, assessed the political and security situation through consultations with a broad range of stakeholders.
“Summit commended the work of the Sadc Panel of Elders led by H.E. Dr. Banda, supported by the Mediation Reference Group and the contribution by the former Sadc Special Envoy to Madagascar, H.E. Dr Joaquim Chissano, former President of the Republic of Mozambique, and reaffirmed its support to the people of Madagascar in achieving peace, stability, constitutional order, and sustainable development.
“Summit thanked H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi and a member of the Sadc Panel of Elders, assessed the political and security situation through consultations with a broad range of stakeholders,” said Mr Magosi.
The summit expressed gratitude to President Mutharika for his leadership in promoting peace and security in Madagascar and the Sadc region.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa was also commended for his leadership and key role in hosting a successful Summit and driving the regional agenda forward.
“The chairperson of Sadc thanked all Heads of State and Government for participating in the Extraordinary Summit and reaffirming their commitment to regional peace and integration,” said Mr Magosi.
