SADC Lifts Madagascar Suspension

The Extra-ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of state and Government has lifted the suspension on Madagascar and has invited the country to immediately resume its participation in all SADC activities.

In a communiqué issued yesterday, 30th January 2014, Summit congratulated H.E. Hery Rajaonarinampianina for his election as the First President of the Fourth Republic of Madagascar and welcomed his undertakings towards national reconciliation, and social and economic recovery made during his inauguration on 25 January 2014. Summit also welcomed the decision by the Peace and Security Council of the AU on 27 January, 2014 to lift the suspension on Madagascar.

Summit commended Member States for standing firm on SADC principles against those who usurp power through violence and unconstitutional means; and by consistently supporting the Malagasy people throughout the difficult times brought about by the unconstitutional change of Government in the country.

Furthermore, Summit recognized and commended the support of the International Community in returning Madagascar to constitutional order.

Before the suspension was lifted by Summit, SADC Executive Secretary Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax had told the Peace and Security Council of the AU that SADC was satisfied with the process and that the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia, has recommended to the SADC Summit to lift the sanctions on Madagascar following the restoration of the constitutional order which was a required condition for lifting the suspension imposed on the Republic of Madagascar.

Addressing the AU PSC earlier in the week, Dr. Tax called upon the international community and urged the Malagasy people and its political leadership to sustain the gains achieved thus far. "SADC appeals to the African Union, the United Nations and other similar bodies to welcome the positive steps that Madagascar has made through the recent peaceful transparent and fair elections and to spare no effort at ensuring that democracy and the rule of law are enhanced in the Southern Africa", she said.