Africa-Press. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced its intention to open a permanent liaison office in the Malagasy capital, Antananarivo. This move aims to enhance its field presence to support the political process and oversee the transitional phase and the re-establishment of state institutions, following rising concerns about the political transition in the country.
The regional organization confirmed that the office’s presence will be accompanied by an expansion of monitoring mechanisms, through an expanded Senate and the preparation of quarterly reports, reflecting its transition from a role of diplomatic support to continuous oversight of developments in the transitional phase.
In its statement, the organization reiterated its demand for the transitional authorities to establish a clear and transparent timeline for elections, initiate an inclusive political dialogue involving various parties, release political prisoners, end arbitrary arrests targeting opposition leaders and youth, and allow the return of political exiles to the country.
The decision to open the office has sparked mixed reactions within political circles and civil society in Madagascar. The Citizens’ Assembly and civil society organizations welcomed this step, considering it a reflection of increasing regional interest in advancing the political process.
The Secretary-General of the Assembly, Honi Radert, stated that SADC’s emphasis on the need for a clear electoral timetable and the initiation of an inclusive dialogue represents a positive development. However, he stressed that the success of these efforts depends on the current government’s responsiveness and implementation of the proposed demands.
He added that civil society expects national consultations, which the transitional authorities committed to several months ago, to begin in the coming months. He clarified that these consultations should include a clear framework for managing the transitional phase, allowing for a shared vision of the country’s future and governance mechanisms during the upcoming period.
The Ministry of Reconstruction in Madagascar has not issued any official comment regarding SADC’s announcement, while the opening of the new liaison office is expected in the coming weeks, marking the organization’s first permanent presence in the country to monitor the implementation of transitional commitments.
