Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Madagascar, reaffirming the Kingdom of Eswatini’s firm commitment to peace, stability and democratic governance within the Southern African region.
The call was made on Friday, 6 February 2026, at Mandvulo Grand Hall in Lozitha Palace, when His Majesty received ousted Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina during a courtesy visit. The engagement took place in His Majesty’s capacity as Deputy and Incoming Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, commonly referred to as the SADC Troika.
President Rajoelina (51) was elected President of Madagascar in December 2023, having previously served a full term from 2018 to 2023, making him the eighth President of the island nation. However, political instability escalated in 2025 amid growing public dissatisfaction over persistent water and electricity shortages, which, according to media reports, resulted in loss of life. These challenges culminated in an attempt to overthrow his government, forcing President Rajoelina to flee the country. He reportedly sought refuge in Reunion before travelling to the United Arab Emirates, specifically Dubai.
Responding to His Majesty’s invitation, President Rajoelina was formally received at Lozitha Palace on the evening of 6 February 2026. The King introduced him to Acting Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, princes, princesses, cabinet ministers and other senior government officials, before holding private talks with the former President.
Following the closed-door discussions, Acting Prime Minister Dladla, sitting with Minister of Public Service Hon. Mabulala Maseko, provided insight into the engagement. She explained that His Majesty, as Incoming Chairperson of the SADC Troika, received President Rajoelina to allow him to brief the Kingdom on the political developments that led to his unconstitutional removal from office. She emphasised that the engagement was conducted strictly in line with SADC protocol, which requires that any Head of State removed through unconstitutional means be given an opportunity to present their account.
Prior to the meeting, His Majesty held consultations with the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika of Malawi, as well as the Acting Chairperson of SADC, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. These consultations ensured that the engagement adhered fully to established regional diplomatic procedures.
Acting Prime Minister Dladla further revealed that His Majesty had not been able to receive a detailed briefing earlier due to his commitments during the Incwala Ceremony. Nonetheless, the King remained deeply concerned about developments in Madagascar, particularly the unconstitutional removal of a sitting President, which he views as a serious threat to regional peace and democratic norms.
His Majesty underscored that the situation in Madagascar contravenes the principles of the United Nations, the African Union and SADC, all of which strongly condemn unconstitutional changes of government and advocate for the continental goal of “silencing the guns”. The King called upon Madagascar’s law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to act swiftly to restore constitutional normalcy and stability.
In support of regional efforts, SADC convened a virtual Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit on 15 December 2025 to consider findings from a Fact-Finding Mission conducted in Madagascar between 22 and 25 November 2025. The mission followed youth-led demonstrations that erupted in October 2025. The summit was chaired by Malawi’s First Vice President, Dr Jane Ansah, representing President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
The Troika Summit reviewed and cleared the mission’s report, which is expected to be presented to an Extraordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. The SADC Organ Troika—comprising Malawi as Chair, the United Republic of Tanzania as Outgoing Chair, and the Kingdom of Eswatini as Incoming Chair—reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, security and stability in the region through solidarity and collective action.
The United Republic of Tanzania was represented at the summit by Vice President Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, while the Kingdom of Eswatini was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu.
Currently, Madagascar is led by President Michael Randrianirina (51), a Malagasy military officer and politician who, according to international media, has been serving as the ninth President of Madagascar and Chairman of the Council of the Presidency for the Re-Foundation of the Republic since 14 October 2025. His leadership followed confirmation by the High Constitutional Court in the aftermath of the 2025 Malagasy coup d’état. President Randrianirina rose to prominence after previously being imprisoned and later joining protests against the former administration. He earlier served as Governor of Androy from 2016 to 2018, before becoming a senior military commander and head of the CAPSAT unit.
Rajoelina became President for the first time in 2009, after ousting the then President Marc Ravalomanana, through a coup.
Through this engagement, His Majesty King Mswati III once again demonstrated Eswatini’s continued leadership in regional diplomacy and conflict resolution, reinforcing the Kingdom’s dedication to constitutional governance, peace and long-term stability within the SADC region.
