The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its support for the reform process underway in Madagascar and called on all Malagasy stakeholders to prioritize dialogue in order to achieve a peaceful political transition. This position was expressed in the conclusions of the 46th Ordinary Summit of the regional organization, marking a shift from the recommendations adopted during the Extraordinary Summit of June 29, 2026. While the previous resolutions had set specific expectations for the Malagasy authorities, the latest declaration places greater emphasis on supporting the country’s reform process and development agenda.
In its final communiqué, SADC noted a “constructive engagement” in Madagascar and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the ongoing transformations. The regional organization has nevertheless gone beyond simply expressing its support: it has urged all stakeholders to use dialogue as a means of addressing political disagreements and various demands. SADC has also called on all parties to preserve the relative calm currently prevailing in the country, at a time when political stability remains essential to ensuring the continuation of reforms.
SADC’s involvement is also expected to continue through several of its support mechanisms. The Panel of Elders, the Mediation Reference Group and the SADC Secretariat remain engaged with Madagascar in order to support the reform process. This continued involvement reflects the regional organization’s determination to promote a lasting resolution to political tensions through mediation, consultation and the search for common ground among the various parties.
The issue of constitutional order also occupies an important place in SADC’s position. The organization stresses the need to restore an institutional framework consistent with constitutional principles and indicates that its support should contribute to promoting inclusive governance, democratic institutions, accountability, respect for human rights and citizen participation. These priorities give the regional support for Madagascar’s reform process a strong institutional dimension.
The latest position comes as SADC has gradually increased its involvement in Madagascar. At the end of June 2026, the organization had already announced stronger political support, including the establishment of a liaison office in Antananarivo and an expanded mandate for its mediation mechanism covering reconciliation, electoral reform, as well as preparations for the referendum and legislative elections.
SADC’s message is therefore twofold: to support the reforms underway while emphasizing that their success will depend on a peaceful and inclusive political environment. By urging Malagasy stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and preserve stability, the regional organization is seeking to prevent a renewed escalation of tensions and encourage the establishment of a sustainable institutional framework. For Madagascar, this regional support represents both a sign of confidence in the ongoing process and a reminder of the democratic and constitutional principles that SADC considers essential to its success.
