TALKING NOTES FOR POST COUNCIL MEDIA BRIEFING BY HON. DR. NKOSAZANA DLAMINI-ZUMA MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND CHAIR

Madagascar
Following a brief by the Prime Minister of Madagascar to the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) Troika in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 02, 2009, the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, H.M. King Mswati III of Swaziland fielded an assessment mission to Madagascar. The first mission was undertaken by SADC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salomão on February 06 – 08, 2009 where he held consultations with H. E. Mr. Marc Ravalomanana, the President of Madagascar, Prime Minister and other stakeholders.

The second assessment mission from February 14 – 21, 2009 was led by MCO Chairperson Hon. Lufto Dlamini, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Swaziland. This mission held consultations with all stakeholders, namely, the Government, diplomatic missions, civil society and representatives of churches in Madagascar as well as the former Mayor of Antananarivo, Mr. Andry Rajoelina.

After this mission, the President and the Mayor held several meetings that temporarily calmed the situation in Madagascar. However, the breakdown in the negotiations a few days ago render the situation unpredictable and requires close monitoring by all stakeholders in the region and the international Community at large.

Council during this sitting deliberated on the security and political situation in Madagascar and resolved that:

(a) SADC supports the current dialogue process in Madagascar and
urges all parties to the negotiations to remain committed to the process until a peaceful solution has been found;

(b) SADC urges all parties to the dialogue to respect rule of law and
refrain from the use of violence in resolving their differences;

(c) SADC regrets the loss of lives, injuries and damage to property;

(d) SADC urges all parties to respect the democratic principles and values in Madagascar.

(e) SADC will not entertain illegal removal of the legitimate Government from power; and

(f) SADC will provide assistance to Madagascar in terms of training of the security forces and antiriot equipment.

source: Présidence de la République de Madagascar