Justicia Shipena
Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has urged members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to support an emergency item proposed by the Africa Group on the political situation in Madagascar.
Speaking at the 151st Assembly of the IPU, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila highlighted a proposed item titled “Global Call for Parliamentary Solidarity and Coordinated Action on Madagascar.”
She said the proposal aims to tackle threats to democratic governance, regional stability, and the rule of law.
“This proposal is not only a regional concern but a global call to action. The unfolding political situation in Madagascar poses a serious threat to democratic governance, regional stability, and the rule of law. It is a matter that demands our urgent attention and collective response,” she said.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the resolution calls for coordinated international action to support SADC, which is leading mediation efforts in Madagascar.
“SADC has the legitimacy, the regional insight, and the diplomatic tools to broker peace, but it requires strong international backing. Through the Inter-Parliamentary Union, parliaments around the world can provide the moral authority, diplomatic support, and solidarity needed to help restore constitutional order in Madagascar,” she said.
The resolution calls for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, free and fair elections under international observation, the protection of human rights, and inclusive dialogue among Malagasy stakeholders, including political parties, civil society, the military, youth and women’s groups.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said supporting the resolution would be a stand for democracy and peace.
“It is a commitment to preventing humanitarian crises, refugee flows, and regional instability. It is a demonstration of the IPU’s ability to act decisively in moments of democratic fragility,” she said.
She urged the IPU Assembly to adopt the emergency item, saying global parliamentary solidarity could help ensure a peaceful and democratic transition in Madagascar that restores power to the people and reinforces constitutional governance.
Last week, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warned that any attempt to seize power through unconstitutional means in Madagascar undermines democracy and regional stability.
The crisis escalated after a senior army colonel announced that the military had taken control following parliament’s decision to impeach President Andry Rajoelina. Rajoelina fled the country after soldiers joined youth-led protests.
The protests, driven by Gen Z groups, began on 25 September over water and power outages but grew into nationwide demonstrations against corruption, poverty, and the rising cost of living.
SADC says the situation threatens peace, stability and democracy. Malawi’s President and SADC Organ chairperson on politics, defence and security cooperation, Arthur Peter Mutharika, said the bloc is following the developments with grave concern.
All IPU statutory bodies are meeting during the assembly, which ends on Thursday.
The general debate focuses on the theme, “Upholding humanitarian norms and supporting humanitarian action in times of crisis.”
Delegates are expected to deliberate, exchange views and mobilise parliamentary action around this theme.
The assembly will pass resolutions on the emergency topic and another issue from the standing committee on democracy and human rights, called “Recognising and supporting the victims of illegal international adoption and taking measures to prevent this practice.”
The event will conclude with the adoption of an outcome document on the General Debate’s main theme.
