The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has endorsed the establishment of a SADC Liaison Office in Antananarivo, Republic of Madagascar, to coordinate and support regional interventions aimed at advancing the country's Refoundation Process.
The decision was made during the virtual Extraordinary Meeting of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (EO-MCO) held on 7 November 2026. The Committee approved the Terms of Reference for the Liaison Office, including its duration, reporting arrangements and review mechanisms, and directed the SADC Secretariat to refine its expanded mandate and budget for consideration by the Council of Ministers in March 2027.
Opening the meeting, Honourable Senator Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ, reaffirmed SADC's commitment to supporting a time-bound Refoundation Process aimed at restoring constitutional order and democratic governance in Madagascar.
She emphasised the importance of inclusive national dialogue, sustained regional solidarity and adequate resourcing of the Liaison Office to ensure effective implementation of agreed interventions. Honourable Shakantu further noted that the operationalisation of the Liaison Office, together with the expanded mandate of the SADC Panel of Elders, demonstrates the Community's commitment to promoting democratic governance, national cohesion and long-term stability in Madagascar.
The SADC Executive Secretary, H.E. Mr Elias Magosi, said the Liaison Office forms part of decisions adopted by the SADC Summit in June 2026 to support Madagascar's reform agenda through enhanced regional engagement.
"These decisions underscore the Community's steadfast commitment to accompanying the Government and people of Madagascar as they pursue reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inclusive governance and fostering lasting peace and stability in the country," said H.E. Mr Magosi.
He noted that the Liaison Office will coordinate SADC support, facilitate stakeholder engagement, strengthen communication between national authorities and regional institutions, and provide technical and advisory assistance to ongoing reforms. The expanded mandate of the SADC Panel of Elders will complement these efforts through preventive diplomacy, confidence-building and engagement with key national stakeholders.
The EO-MCO also endorsed recommendations for the SADC Council's approval of funding to support the establishment and operation of the Liaison Office from November 2026 to March 2027. In addition, the Committee endorsed the draft Host Agreement between SADC and the Government of Madagascar and recommended its signature by the SADC Executive Secretary.
The operationalisation of the SADC Liaison Office is expected to strengthen SADC's support for Madagascar's Refoundation Process and contribute to peace, stability, democratic governance, national unity and sustainable development in the country.
