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The SADC Region is saddened by the unfolding political situation in the Republic of Madagascar stemming from the return to the country by Former President, H.E. Marc Ravalomanana and his subsequent detention.

It should be recalled that SADC, in particular, and the international community in general have been seized with the political crisis in the Republic of Madagascar since 2009. SADC, the AU and other key international players under the umbrella of the International Contact Group (ICG) launched concerted efforts towards the restoration of the constitutional normalcy in Madagascar. Mediation efforts spearheaded by SADC, led to the signing of a Roadmap in September 2011.

Under the watchful eye of SADC in collaboration with the international community, the Republic of Madagascar held elections as outlined in the Roadmap.

As a culmination of this process, the newly democratically elected President of the Republic of Madagascar, Mr. Henry Rajaonarimampianina, was sworn-in on 25 January 2014.

In pursuit of sustainable political and security stability in the Republic of Madagascar, Article 20 of the SADC Roadmap on Madagascar provides for the unconditional return of political exiles, including H.E. Marc Ravalomanana, the application of Amnesty Law and national reconciliation.

The recent SADC Summit held in the Republic of Zimbabwe called on the democratically elected authorities in Madagascar to adhere to, and ensure the full implementation of the SADC Roadmap, including national reconciliation and healing process, as well as unconditional return of political exiles, and the application of Amnesty Law.

Whilst neither the SADC and the host country for Mr Ravalomanana, South Africa, were aware of Mr Ravalomanana’s planned return, SADC calls for calm, political tolerance and national reconciliation in Madagascar as a pre-requisite for political and security stability and socio-economic reconstruction.

Issued by SADC