The Republic of South Africa will temporarily assume the leadership of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) following the change of power in Madagascar, which had been chairing the organization since August. This was reported by the South African government news agency, citing a corresponding statement from the Cabinet.
During its meeting, the Cabinet approved a request from SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi for South Africa to take over the temporary leadership of the organization due to the political instability in Madagascar. The interim chairmanship entails performing the duties until an official decision is made by the organization's highest body.
"This request aligns with the provisions of the SADC Treaty, which state that if the incumbent chairperson is unable to perform their duties, a new chairperson shall temporarily assume the responsibilities until a decision is made by the Summit," the Cabinet statement reads.
To coordinate, monitor preparation, and fulfill South Africa's responsibilities as the interim SADC chair, the establishment of an interdepartmental committee is planned.
In August, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina took over the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who had led the organization throughout 2024.
However, on October 12, former President Rajoelina left Madagascar on a French military aircraft in coordination with French President Emmanuel Macron. Later, Rajoelina confirmed in a statement that he had "relocated to a safe place" following an attempted coup. On October 17, CAPSAT special forces officer Michaël Randrianirina was sworn in as the Interim President of Madagascar.
On October 20, Randrianirina appointed Herintsalamo Razakanirivo as the new Prime Minister of the republic. On October 28, the composition of the new government, which includes 25 civilian officials and four representatives from the military bloc, was announced on the national television channel TVM.
