MBABANE – SADC ministers have called for a liaison office in Madagascar to support efforts to restore constitutional order.
The call followed an extraordinary virtual meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, hosted by Eswatini.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Pholile Shakantu chaired the meeting, which discussed Madagascar’s political situation and regional efforts to restore stability.
The meeting brought together regional representatives, including delegations from Lesotho and Malawi, the incoming and outgoing chairs of the security organ, respectively.
Prince Sicalo chaired the preparatory senior officials’ meeting before the ministerial discussions.
During the meeting, ministers called for the SADC Liaison Office in Madagascar to become operational to strengthen regional engagement and support peace efforts.
They identified the office as a mechanism to help restore constitutional order through an inclusive refoundation process.
The committee also called for cooperation with the Government of Madagascar, the African Union and international partners in supporting the country’s political transition.
Eswatini reaffirmed its commitment to working with SADC member states to promote lasting peace and security in the region.
