The Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), hereafter called “Summit” was held virtually on 17th December 2025.
Summit was attended by the following Heads of State and Government, or their representatives:
| Botswana: | President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko. |
| Democratic Republic of Congo: | H.E. President Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo |
| Madagascar: | H.E. Col. Michael Randrianirina, President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar. |
| Mozambique: | H.E. President Mr. Daniel Francisco Chapo |
| South Africa: | H.E. President Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. |
| Namibia: | H.E. President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah |
| Zambia: | H.E. President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. |
| Malawi: | Her Honour Justice Dr. Jane Ansah, First Vice President. |
| United Republic of Tanzania: | H.E. Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi, Vice President |
| Angola: | H.E. Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations. |
| Lesotho: | Honourable Mr. Lejone Mpotjoana, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. |
| Zimbabwe: | Honourable Professor Amon Murwira, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. |
| Mauritius: | Honourable Mr. Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade. |
| Eswatini: | Honourable Senator Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. |
| Seychelles: | Mr. Christian Faure Director General for the Regional Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. |
Summit was also attended by Ministers from the SADC Member States, and the Executive Secretary of SADC.
Summit received a report from the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, H.E. Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, on the Technical Fact-Finding Mission to Madagascar from 19 to 26 October 2025, which assessed the political and security situation through consultations with diverse stakeholders.
Summit welcomed the restoration of calm in Madagascar, noted the national consultation processes launched by the Transitional Government on 10 December 2025, and reaffirmed its commitment to remain engaged with the political and security situation in the Republic of Madagascar until an elected government is established through electoral processes.
Summit urged the Transitional Government of Madagascar, led by H.E. Colonel Michael Randrianirina to initiate a Malagasy-owned and led inclusive national dialogue during the transitional period, to pave the way for fresh elections, and facilitate the peaceful return of political exiles.
Summit further called on the Transitional Government of Madagascar to ensure that the reform processes are timely, inclusive of all stakeholders, and create a conducive environment in which political exiles can contribute meaningfully to the dialogue.
Summit approved the deployment of the SADC Panel of Elders by March 2026, led by Dr. Joyce Banda, former President of the Republic of Malawi, together with the Mediation Reference Group, supported by the Secretariat, to facilitate and support the ongoing processes of restoration of political stability, democracy and peace in the Republic of Madagascar.
Summit directed the SADC Panel of Elders to engage H.E. Dr. Joaquim Chissano, former President of Mozambique and SADC Special Envoy to Madagascar, to provide contextual background on previous interventions and outstanding issues, focusing on constitutional reforms, electoral processes, and the rule of law, in line with the SADC Treaty.
Summit reaffirmed the Region’s strong position on protecting constitutional rule and democratic governance, and emphasised its commitment to bringing back peace, constitutional order, and democracy in the Republic of Madagascar.
Summit directed the Republic of Madagascar to submit a dialogue readiness report and a draft National Roadmap by 28 February 2026, followed by periodic updates in May, August, and November 2026 to the Chairperson of the SADC Organ.
Following the appointment of H.E. Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa as Chairperson of SADC, Summit appointed H.E. Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President the Republic of Zambia as the Interim Incoming Chairperson (Deputy Chairperson) of SADC.
Summit directed the Secretariat to coordinate with the African Union and international partners to mobilise financial, technical, and logistical resources for reforms and avoid fragmentation of efforts.
Summit expressed appreciation to H.E. Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi and Chairperson of the Organ, for his leadership in consolidating peace and security in the Republic of Madagascar and the SADC region.
Summit conveyed profound appreciation to H.E. Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, for his leadership and contribution to the advancement of SADC’s regional agenda.
The Chairperson of SADC expressed heartfelt gratitude to all Heads of State and Government for their participation in the Extraordinary Summit and for their continued commitment to advancing the regional integration agenda and programmes of SADC.
Done on 17th December 2025
Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.
