SADC urges Madagascar to protect constitutional rule

Leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have urged the government in Madagascar to remain committed to clear, time-bound and transparent reforms to protect constitutional rule and democratic governance, reports Anadolu Agency. It came as the Indian Ocean island nation remains in a fragile political situation after former President Andry Rajoelina was ousted in October after youth-led protests about water and electricity turned fierce. He was succeeded by Michael Randrianirina, an army colonel who has on two occasions announced he survived assassination attempts. A communique after a virtual summit of SADC heads of state and government said the regional bloc urged reforms that would ultimately restore constitutional order and lead to a democratically elected government without delaying the will of the Malagasy people. Chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the summit expanded the mandate of the bloc's panel of elders to Madagascar, comprising leaders including former Malawian President Joyce Banda, to include reconciliation, electoral reform and preparations for the referendum and general elections.

Full report on the Anadolu Agency site