For the transitional government, SADC's voice is not that of a master. This is evident from the sharp response given by the Malagasy Prime Minister regarding SADC's invitation to release political prisoners. Regional political legitimacy and donor decisions By making this declaration, Mamitiana Rajaonarison sets the tone for a refusal by national authorities to bow to the "orders" of the regional organization. In the name of sovereignty, Malagasy leaders certainly have the right to interpret facts in their own way. In this case, they believe that the incarcerated persons are subject to ordinary judicial procedures. For its part, SADC is equally free to propose measures for political appeasement in the region under its responsibility. This difference in assessment between Antananarivo and Gaborone does not bode well in the already deleterious political context the country is experiencing. A possible disagreement between SADC and the refoundation authorities could indeed isolate Madagascar and potentially deprive the country of potential development financing. Indeed, even if it is not an influential community in terms of international economic cooperation, SADC's conclusions constitute a signal that international partners cannot ignore. If SADC concludes, for example, that in Madagascar institutional stability, predictability of public decisions, respect for international commitments, quality of political dialogue and rule of law are lacking, this will negatively impact the assessment of country risk in Madagascar. With the risk this entails of suspension of public development aid. Because ultimately, SADC's regional political legitimacy means its analyses are closely followed by donors, rating agencies, private investors and international financial institutions... R.Edmond.