Former Malawian president heads SADC fact-finding mission to Madagascar
Mutharika said in his statement that the SADC is following "with grave concern" the political and security developments in Madagascar, and that the SADC is "alarmed by reports of an attempted coup d'etat, which poses a serious threat to the peace, stability, and democratic order of the country."
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has sent former Malawian President Joyce Banda to head a fact-finding mission to Madagascar following recent political and security developments in the country.
The deployment was announced in a statement released Wednesday by the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Peter Mutharika, the incumbent Malawian president.
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Mutharika said in his statement that the SADC is following "with grave concern" the political and security developments in Madagascar, and that the SADC is "alarmed by reports of an attempted coup d'etat, which poses a serious threat to the peace, stability, and democratic order of the country."
Mutharika expressed "profound solidarity" with the people of Madagascar, and he reaffirmed the regional body's unwavering commitment to supporting the African island country in its efforts to restore peace, uphold constitutional order and safeguard democratic governance.
According to Mutharika's statement, Banda will lead the fact-finding mission comprising her fellow SADC members of the Panel of Elders to engage the government of Madagascar and other national stakeholders in efforts to de-escalate tensions and foster a conducive environment for inclusive dialogue.
"The mission is also tasked with identifying the key issues underpinning the current political and security situation," said Mutharika, adding that Banda's mission will also be accompanied by members of the Mediation Reference Group and representatives from the SADC Secretariat.
According to Mutharika's statement, the findings and recommendations of the mission are expected to be presented to the Chairperson of the SADC Organ and, subsequently, to the SADC Organ Troika Summit.
The SADC has since called on all parties involved in the current crisis to "choose the path of restraint, peace, and dialogue" to avoid further loss of life due to the unrest.
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