MBABANE — Eswatini has responded firmly to Madagascar’s protest over the reception of former President Andry Rajoelina, stressing that the visit was strictly linked to regional SADC processes rather than domestic affairs.
Madagascar had issued a statement expressing its ‘strongest condemnation’ of the official reception granted to Rajoelina, describing it as a serious breach of Madagascar’s sovereignty and a disregard for principles of justice, accountability, and respect owed to the Malagasy people. The statement highlighted that Rajoelina was subject to an international arrest warrant and, therefore, could not be afforded recognition on a regional diplomatic stage.
The Malagasy authorities further noted that Rajoelina had voluntarily relinquished his Malagasy nationality after acquiring another citizenship, and any attempt to present himself as a legitimate representative of Madagascar was ‘legally unfounded and politically unacceptable’. The statement also emphasised that Rajoelina was the head of State during the tragic events of September and October 2025, which reportedly claimed the lives of approximately 30 Malagasy citizens.
The deaths were described as a deep wound in the national memory, inseparable from the sacrifice of Malagasy youth who participated in his removal from power. The Malagasy authorities linked Eswatini’s reception of Rajoelina to potential disruption of Madagascar’s ongoing national reconciliation and constitutional restoration process, noting that it could undermine peace-building efforts and erode regional trust.
According to the statement, a formal letter detailing these concerns had been addressed to the SADC Secretariat and to President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, conveying the gravity of the situation and the perceived insult to the victims, the youth who sacrificed their lives and national dignity.
Responding to the statement, Percy Simelane, the Director of Communications at the King’s Office, clarified the context of Rajoelina’s visit, stressing Eswatini’s role as a facilitator in regional diplomacy.
“Going into a battle of wits with anyone who is not armed is not our kind of fun,” Simelane said, underlining that the criticism from Madagascar was misguided and unfortunate.
Simelane explained that Rajoelina came to Eswatini seeking intervention from the SADC Troika concerning political developments in Madagascar, not for domestic engagement under Eswatini’s Tinkhundla System of Government. He emphasised that His Majesty King Mswati III serves as Deputy Chair of the SADC Troika and is the incoming Chairperson, placing him in a central position to address political and constitutional issues in the region, including Madagascar.
The director of communications further stressed that SADC’s mandate on peace, politics and stability focuses on constitutional transformation and adherence to lawful processes, rather than endorsing a ‘survival of the fittest’ model of governance. He noted that the African Union (AU) has previously refused to legitimise unconstitutional changes of government, reinforcing the regional commitment to democratic and constitutional principles.
According to Simelane, the Eswatini Government remains firmly committed to regional peace and political stability. He emphasised that the reception of Rajoelina should be understood strictly as part of Eswatini’s role in facilitating SADC’s intervention mechanisms, and not as an endorsement of any individual’s political legitimacy in Madagascar.
Rajoelina met with the King at Mandvulo Grand Hall this past Friday, during which the King called upon all law enforcement agencies in Madagascar to restore constitutional normalcy immediately.
Before meeting the president, the King consulted with the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, as well as the chairman of SADC. After the meeting, the King affirmed that Rajoelina’s removal was unconstitutional and noted that the president had been successfully elected in accordance with the constitution in 2023.
The King reiterated that SADC protocols are against the unconstitutional removal of heads of State and will always oppose such actions. He expressed deep concern over developments in Madagascar, where the sitting president was removed unlawfully, violating United Nations and African Union principles.
Simelane highlighted that Eswatini’s reception of Rajoelina was fully consistent with regional protocols, aimed at facilitating dialogue and constitutional restoration rather than interfering in domestic politics. He also noted that the international community is increasingly focused on the principle of ‘silencing the guns’ and ensuring that political transitions follow lawful and peaceful procedures.
In his statement, Simelane underlined that Eswatini’s approach is measured and diplomatic: The country prioritises regional stability over confrontation, reinforcing its role as a neutral facilitator and trusted mediator within SADC.
His Majesty King Mswati III shaking a hand with the Republic of Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina at the Mandvulo Gramnd Hall last Friday.