THE Southern African Development Community SADC has elected Zambia as interim incoming chair of the regional bloc after Madagascar withdrew from the annual rotating chairmanship.

The regional bloc held a virtual summit on 17 December against the backdrop of political upheaval in Madagascar.

Ramaphosa congratulates Zambia

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa chaired the meeting. In his closing remarks, Ramaphosa congratulated Zambian leader, President Hakainde Hichilema, for his election as incoming interim chair.

“We wish to congratulate His Excellency President Hichilema on his election as incoming chair of the SADC, which was subject to confirmation, of course, by summit as has been done.”

Ramaphosa said he looked forward to working closely with President Hichilema. He said their cooperation would help advance SADC’s mandate of peace, security, and shared prosperity for the region and its people.

Madagascar withdrawal from SADC presidency

Madagascar withdrew after unrest that led to the removal of President Andry Rajoelina. It also resulted in the formation of a military-led transitional administration under Colonel Michael Randrianirina.

The SADC members also agreed to send a Panel of Elders to Madagascar.

SADC appointed former Malawian president, Dr Joyce Banda, to lead the panel to facilitate the ongoing process of restoration of political stability.

SADC’s roadmap for Madagascar

In addition to electing Zambia as the incoming interim chair of SADC, the regional bloc outlined an elaborate roadmap for Madagascar to return to democracy.

The outlined roadmap came after a report was presented to the summit by Malawian President Professor Peter Mutharika.

This followed a technical fact-finding mission to Madagascar held from October 19 to 26. The mission assessed the political and security situation through consultations with a range of stakeholders.

“The mission will engage with all stakeholders in Madagascar to ensure there is an inclusive process leading up to the holding of fair and credible elections,” said President Ramaphosa.

He said the bloc was calling on the people of Madagascar to reflect deeply on the challenges facing their country.

“The unity of purpose that has governed our engagement on this and other critical matters affecting our region is indeed commendable.

“We must continue in this way,” he said.

He welcomed the restoration of calm in Madagascar. He noted that the national consultative processes launched by the transitional government on December 10 had progressed well.