Justicia Shipena
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned that any attempt to seize power through unconstitutional means in Madagascar undermines democracy and regional stability. Namibia has expressed concern over the ongoing political crisis in Madagascar.
Madagascar’s crisis escalated this week when a senior army colonel announced that the military had taken control after parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina.
Crowds celebrated in the capital, Antananarivo, following the military’s declaration.
The announcement by colonel Michael Randrianirina came soon after parliament’s vote on Tuesday.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said such actions “run counter to the values and obligations that bind SADC member states” and threaten peace in the region.
“We strongly condemn any attempt to subvert constitutional order. We call upon all actors in Madagascar, especially those in the security services, to exercise restraint, adhere to the rule of law, and facilitate a return to democratic order through peaceful, inclusive dialogue,” she said.
She noted that the events in Madagascar are troubling given that Rajoelina was elected as chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) during the 45th Ordinary Summit held in Antananarivo in August.
“It is regrettable that these recent events appear to betray the very principles we reaffirmed only months ago,” she said.
At the summit, SADC leaders committed to advancing economic integration, promoting industrialisation, transforming agriculture, and accelerating the energy transition, all of which rely on stable governance, constitutional order and adherence to democratic principles.
She reaffirmed Namibia’s solidarity with the people of Madagascar and urged SADC and the African Union (AU) to support mediation efforts to restore peace and constitutional order.
Reports said Rajoelina fled the country after soldiers joined youth-led protests.
The protests, led by Gen Z groups, began on 25 September over water and power outages but grew into nationwide rallies against corruption, poverty, and the cost of living.
From an undisclosed location, Rajoelina issued a decree attempting to dissolve parliament’s lower house before his impeachment, but lawmakers ignored it and voted overwhelmingly to remove him.
The military later announced it would form a council with officers from the armed forces and gendarmerie to appoint a prime minister and form a civilian government.
Rajoelina (51) first came to power in 2009 through a military-backed transition after a coup.
SADC also warned that it threatens peace, stability and democracy.
Malawi’s President and SADC Organ chairperson on politics, defence and security cooperation, Arthur Peter Mutharika, said the regional bloc is following the situation with “grave concern”.
He reiterated SADC’s commitment to helping Madagascar restore constitutional order and protect democratic governance.
To help ease tensions, SADC will send a fact-finding mission this week led by former Malawian president Joyce Banda.
The mission will meet government and national stakeholders to promote dialogue and recommend steps to restore peace.
Its findings will be presented to the SADC Organ Troika Summit.
SADC called on security forces in Madagascar to act with professionalism and restraint while respecting human rights.
“SADC reiterates its call for all parties involved in the current crisis to choose the path of restraint, peace, and dialogue. No further Malagasy lives should be lost due to the unrest,” Mutharika said.
Last week, the secretary general of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, also urged dialogue in Madagascar as anti-government protests entered their third week.
