Ramaphosa Assumes Interim SADC Leadership as Bloc Navigates Regional Challenges
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken over as interim chair of the Southern African Development Community following Madagascar’s withdrawal from the position amid political instability.
The transition was confirmed during an Extraordinary Virtual Summit of SADC heads of state and government held on Friday.
According to the official communiqué, South Africa will lead the regional bloc until August 2026, with a permanent successor to be identified by the end of November.
The summit, hosted virtually from Pretoria, brought together regional leaders including Malawi’s Arthur Mutharika, Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema.
The SADC expressed condolences to families affected by recent unrest in Madagascar and Tanzania, lamenting the loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
Notably absent from the communiqué was any mention of reported violence and human rights allegations following Tanzania’s October elections—an omission that regional observers see as testing the bloc’s commitment to democratic principles.
Despite the turmoil, the organization congratulated President Samia Hassan on her election victory, alongside Mutharika and Seychelles’ President Patrick Herminie.
Madagascar’s withdrawal from the chairmanship was accepted with “understanding,” citing political developments that hampered its ability to fulfill the role’s responsibilities.
The bloc reaffirmed its commitment to the theme adopted at August’s 45th Summit in Antananarivo: ‘Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.’
Outgoing chairperson Mnangagwa offered to host selected SADC meetings in Zimbabwe during the interim period, which the bloc accepted.
The summit concluded with delegates thanking President Ramaphosa for convening and leading the virtual meeting.
Source: AllAfrica