Madagascar's political situation remains under close regional scrutiny. The matter was discussed during the ministerial committee meeting of the SADC's organ responsible for cooperation in political, defense and security affairs, held in Malawi.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is paying particular attention to Madagascar's evolving political landscape. This vigilance was affirmed yesterday by Elias Magosi, executive secretary of the regional organization, in his opening address to the 28th ministerial committee meeting of the SADC's Political, Defense and Security Cooperation Organ, in Salima, Malawi.
"As Madagascar continues its path toward reform and renewal, we must remain steadfast in our support. (...) The region must therefore follow with particular attention the progress made by the country in its journey toward the restoration of constitutional order," stated the SADC executive secretary.
The preservation of peace, security and prosperity in the Southern African region is the guiding thread of two days of discussions in Salima, yesterday and today. Like other Southern African countries facing political or security turbulence, Madagascar's file is on the agenda in Salima.
In his address, Elias Magosi emphasized that the SADC region "remains one of the most peaceful and resilient regions of our continent." He added, however, that "peace, security and prosperity can never be taken for granted. They require constant vigilance, sustained cooperation and strengthened regional solidarity."
To this end, he recalled the deployment of a fact-finding mission to the island, following the political shift that brought the Refondation government to power. This initiative reflects the collective commitment of SADC member states "to preserve peace, promote democratic governance and safeguard constitutional stability within our Community," Magosi stated.
One passage of his address on Madagascar's file sounds like a recommendation: "Lasting peace can only take root when it is based on inclusion, accountability, respect for human rights and genuine participation of all citizens. Without these foundations, stability remains vulnerable to future tensions."
These words echo the terms of the SADC Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government communiqué on Madagascar, dated June 29. The document notably reported that "the Summit urged the Malagasy government (...) to honor its commitment to clear reforms, with a precise timetable, transparent and open to all Malagasy stakeholders."
The communiqué added that "the Summit recalled the need to conduct inclusive dialogue, promote reconciliation and organize national consultations during the transition period."
This June 29 extraordinary summit communiqué sparked a backlash from those in power. Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, head of state, notably emphasized what the state means by inclusivity in the national consultation process. "Our position on this matter is clear. It is the participation of everyone, including those in opposition," he replied.
The Iavoloha resident stressed, however, that "national consultation is reserved for Malagasy people and not for foreigners, not for non-Malagasy. I think what I want to say is clear. It is Malagasy who will participate in national consultation and not people deemed no longer to be Malagasy." Though he did not say it directly, Colonel Randrianirina was referring to Andry Rajoelina, former president of the Republic, whom the current government has stripped of his Malagasy nationality.
Alice N'Diaye, minister of foreign affairs, leads the Malagasy delegation participating in the Salima meeting. In a communiqué published yesterday, the ministry also advanced what sounds like a response to this question of inclusivity.