MBABANE, Eswatini – Eswatini has convened an extraordinary virtual meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation to discuss the political situation in Madagascar and determine how the regional bloc can support efforts towards stability and a return to constitutional order.
The meeting was held under Eswatini’s chairpersonship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, with Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Senator Pholile Shakantu presiding over the ministerial deliberations.
The gathering brought together representatives of SADC member states, including Lesotho, which is the incoming chairperson of the Organ, and Malawi, which is completing its term as outgoing chairperson.
The ministerial meeting was preceded by a Senior Officials Meeting chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Sicalo, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Senior Officials of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Discussions focused on developments in Madagascar and the regional organisation’s responsibility to assist the Malagasy people during what SADC described as a critical period for the country.
Member states called for continued regional involvement and progress towards an inclusive and peaceful process of national refoundation in Madagascar.
A key issue raised during the discussions was the urgent need to operationalise the SADC Liaison Office in Madagascar. The proposed office is expected to provide an important channel for maintaining the regional bloc’s presence and engagement while supporting initiatives aimed at restoring peace, stability and constitutional governance.
Ministers also discussed the need for sustained cooperation with Madagascar’s government, the African Union and international cooperating partners to ensure that regional and international interventions remain coordinated.
Eswatini, which currently chairs the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, reiterated its commitment to working with member states and regional partners to address security and political challenges affecting the region.
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