President Peter Mutharika has deployed a Southern African Development Community (Sadc) fact-finding mission to Madagascar to facilitate a return to constitutional order following reports of an attempted coup d’état.
Mutharika, who is the chairperson of the Sadc Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, said in a statement yesterday that former president Joyce Banda, in her capacity as a member of the Sadc Panel of Elders, will lead the mission that will visit Madagascar this week.
He said: “Sadc is following with grace concerning the recent political and security developments in the Republic of Madagascar.
“The community is alarmed by reports of an attempted coup d’état, which poses a serious threat to the peace, stability and democratic order of the country.”
Mutharika said the fact-finding mission will engage Madagascar government and other national stakeholders to de-escalate tensions and foster a conducive environment for inclusive dialogue.
Youth-led protests against Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina started on September 25 this year, but worsened over the weekend when soldiers and security forces joined.
According to international media, the protesters were initially demonstrating against power and water shortages before they started calling on Rajoelina and other government ministers to step down.
The mission’s findings and recommendations will be presented to the Sadc Organ before being submitted to the Sadc Organ Troika Summit.
“Sadc reiterates its call for all parties involved in the current crisis to choose the path of restraint, peace and dialogue. No further Malagasy lives should be lost due to unrest,” reads the statement in part.
The community has since urged law enforcement agencies in Madagascar to act with professionalism, impartiality and restraint in accordance with international human rights standards.
The statement further quoted former president Banda as having urged all stakeholders in that country to remain hopeful and expressed her “firm belief” that the mission will pave the way for restoration of peace and stability.
The Madagascar leader reportedly fled the country on Sunday amid growing public discontent with his leadership.
BBC quoted him as having said: “”Since 25 September, there have been attempts on my life and coup attempts. A group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me.”
