SADC leaders suspend Madagascar

By Mikhaila Crowie
31 March 2009

Southern African leaders have suspended Madagascar from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for what they describe as an unconstitutional change of government.

The member states further called on Andry Rajoelina to step down and vacate the President’s office as a matter of urgency or face the consequences.

Marc Ravalomanana withdrew his leadership of the east African island under pressure two weeks ago.

The military handed power to opposition leader Andry Rajoelina who was then installed as head of a transitional authority.

The 15-member body held a special summit in Swaziland yesterday to discuss the findings of a fact-finding mission which was sent to Madagascar to investigate the crisis.

SADC Executive Secretary Dr Tomaz Salomao said the summit chose not to recognise Rajoelina as the president of Madagascar.

“His appointment did not only violate the constitution of Madagascar and the democratic principles but also violated the core principles and values of the SADC treaty, the African constitutive act and the United Nations charter.”