SADC Escalates Oversight of Madagascar and Demands Release of Political Prisoners

Overview

• SADC, in a virtual Extraordinary Summit chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 29–30 June, approved stronger oversight of Madagascar’s transition and said it will remain engaged until constitutional order is restored.
• Leaders formally demanded the immediate release of political prisoners, an end to arbitrary arrests and steps to allow the safe return of exiles as preconditions for credible national dialogue.
• The summit expanded the mandate of the SADC Panel of Elders, led by Dr Joyce Banda, authorised the approval of three shuttle diplomacy reports and directed closer mediation and reconciliation work.
• SADC approved a permanent Liaison Office in Antananarivo and ordered regular reporting through the SADC Secretariat with escalation to the Organ Troika if milestones are missed.
• The bloc called for coordinated support with the African Union and partners and warned that regional risks such as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC could complicate humanitarian and security conditions in Madagascar.