South Africa and Zimbabwe are taking charge of SADC after Madagascar gave up its role as chair of the regional bloc.
At an Extraordinary SADC Summit on Friday, leaders agreed that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was due to take over in 2026, will now serve as interim chair. Zimbabwe, the outgoing chair, will host some SADC events that were meant to be held in Madagascar.
Madagascar’s withdrawal follows its suspension from the African Union after an October coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina. The country’s new leader, Col. Michael Randrianirina, attended Froday’s virtual summit.
SADC said Madagascar stepped down “following recent political developments that have impacted her capacity to discharge the responsibilities of the position.”
On Tanzania, where protests and a violent government crackdown have followed a disputed election, SADC leaders said they “deeply regret that these events resulted, not only in the loss of life, but also in the destruction of public property and critical infrastructure.”
Election observers from the AU and SADC said Tanzania’s polls fell short of democratic standards, but SADC nonetheless congratulated President Samia Suluhu on her re-election.
