African Bloc Urges Madagascar to Uphold Constitution

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Monday urged the Government of Madagascar to remain committed to clear, timely, and transparent reforms to protect the constitutional order and democratic governance. The call comes amid a fragile political situation in the Indian Ocean island nation, following the ousting of former president Andry Rajoelina in October 2025 and heated youth-led protests over water and electricity issues. Rajoelina was replaced by Michael Randrianirina, an army colonel who has twice claimed to have survived assassination attempts. A communiqué following a virtual summit of SADC heads of state and government stated that the regional bloc is pushing for reforms that will ultimately restore constitutional order and lead to a democratically elected government without delaying the will of the Malagasy people. Chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the summit extended the mandate of the bloc’s panel of elders to Madagascar, which includes leaders such as former Malawian President Joyce Banda, to cover reconciliation, electoral reform, and preparations for a referendum and general elections. The summit also expressed concern about the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and reaffirmed solidarity with the Congolese people.