Source: Africa Publicity
In a virtual meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), held on Friday 7 November 2025, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema reaffirmed his country’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation as the bloc grapples with deepening political upheaval in Madagascar.
“Today, the SADC Heads of State and Government held an extraordinary virtual conference to discuss matters relating to the recent developments in the Republic of Madagascar,” Hichilema stated on his Facebook page.
He added: “Zambia stands ready to work closely within the framework of SADC to ensure that peace, security, and stability are maintained throughout our region.”
Furthermore, he affirmed: “As a committed member of the Southern African Development Community, Zambia reaffirms its unwavering dedication to the ideals of regional unity, mutual cooperation, and collective progress.”
He concluded: “We believe that through continued dialogue, solidarity, and adherence to our shared principles, the SADC region will overcome current challenges and advance toward a future of lasting peace and sustainable development.”
Also present at the summit was South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
What’s happening in Madagascar?
The crisis in Madagascar erupted late September 2025, when mass youth-led protests broke out in the capital, Antananarivo, triggered by repeated power outages, water shortages, allegations of corruption and deep frustration with the government of President Andry Rajoelina.
The demonstrations were unprecedented in scale for Madagascar, with reports of looting, destruction of property, and a heavy-handed security response including tear-gas and curfews.
In mid-October 2025, the crisis deepened when the elite army unit CAPSAT intervened, the constitution was suspended, and the military assumed control in what many international observers termed a coup d’état.
The SADC has expressed “grave concern” over the developments, and with Madagascar — a sitting SADC Chair at the time — unable to fulfil its role, neighbouring South Africa has stepped in as interim chair of the bloc.
