The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has stepped up its support for Madagascar’s return to constitutional rule, as regional leaders reviewed progress on the country’s political transition during the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of SADC. Comprising 16 member states and representing more than 360 million people, the bloc reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democratic governance, regional peace and political stability.
Regional leaders have reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to supporting Madagascar’s return to constitutional rule during an Extraordinary Summit held on 29 June 2026. The 16-member bloc, representing more than 360 million people, reviewed progress on the country’s political transition during the summit. President Cyril Ramaphosa called for an inclusive, nationally owned and time-bound reform process, stressing that accountability, transparency and credible elections will be essential to restoring democratic governance and lasting political stability.
We reaffirmed a clear and collective position. SADC will remain actively engaged in Madagascar until our sister country restores constitutional order. We further committed that the reform process must be inclusive, time-bound and nationally owned. The reform process must create space for all stakeholders, including political exiles, to participate meaningfully in shaping Madagascar’s future.
Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa
The Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) endorsed the recommendations of three diplomatic missions conducted during the first half of 2026, led by former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda, and within the framework of the SADC Panel of the Wise. They welcomed the progress made in the national consultations in Madagascar, while stressing that regional support should strengthen the solutions proposed by the Malagasy people and foster an inclusive, credible, and sustainable constitutional transition. Madagascar has been led by a transitional government since the ouster of President Andry Rajoelina and the swearing-in of Colonel Michaël Ran driani rina, who has served as President of the Refoundation since October 17, 2025.
We further approved the deployment of the SADC Panel of Elders, led by former President Dr Joyce Banda, supported by the Mediation Reference Group and the Secretariat to accompany Madagascar’s reform process. We also directed the Secretariat to work closely with the African Union and international partners to mobilize financial, technical and logistical support in a coordinated manner, ensuring coherence and avoiding fragmentation of efforts.
Madagascar’s transition timetable provides for a 24-month process beginning with reforms and consultations, including the consolidation of institutional changes in March and a national dialogue in April 2027. It is set to culminate in a constitutional referendum in March 2027, followed by a presidential election in October 2027, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission for the transition. By maintaining its support for Madagascar’s constitutional transition, the bloc reinforces its role as a key institution for democratic governance, mediation, and long-term regional stability
