Southern African Development Community ministers endorsed a liaison office in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, at a virtual meeting on 7 November. The organisation says the office would coordinate support for the country’s political transition and reforms. Ministers approved its terms of reference and backed funding recommendations, while directing further work on the mandate and budget for consideration in March 2027.
The Southern African Development Community, a regional organisation known as SADC, said ministers endorsed a liaison office in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, on 7 November. Eswatini’s Foreign Minister Pholile Shakantu chaired the virtual ministerial meeting. Ministers discussed bringing the office into operation as part of regional engagement with Madagascar’s political transition and the stated goal of restoring constitutional order.[1], [2]
SADC said ministers approved terms of reference covering the office’s duration, reporting arrangements and review mechanisms. They backed recommendations for funding its establishment and operations from November to March 2027. The Secretariat was told to refine the expanded mandate and budget for the Council of Ministers to consider in March 2027. Ministers also endorsed a draft host agreement with Madagascar’s government and recommended its signature by the Executive Secretary.[1]
Executive Secretary Elias Magosi linked the office to decisions taken at SADC’s June summit. The organisation described its intended work as coordinating assistance, maintaining stakeholder contacts and providing technical advice for reforms. It said an expanded role for its Panel of Elders, a regional preventive-diplomacy body, would complement the office through confidence-building and engagement with national stakeholders. Shakantu stressed inclusive dialogue and adequate funding for the office.[1]
