Leaders of the Southern African Development Community met on Saturday to help restore political order in Madagascar after internationally mediated talks on the island collapsed earlier this week. Southern African leaders suspended Madagascar from the SADC regional grouping in March, saying they would not recognise Andry Rajoelina, who took power in a move condemned as a coup by the international community.
SADC chairman, South African President Jacob Zuma, said on Saturday the grouping was hopeful of a resolution to political turmoil, which has wrought havoc on the Indian Ocean island's $390-million-a-year tourism sector and unnerved foreign companies investing in its booming oil and mineral sectors. "We believe that peace will be achieved if all parties to the conflict are committed to the process," Zuma said.
SADC mediators sent to the island were expected to report back during the course of the SADC meeting after the African Union and United Nations suspended talks indefinitely citing a lack of political will. "It is crucial that there be an inclusive political dialogue, where all the relevant parties and stakeholders have an opportunity to be part of finding a resolution," Zuma said.
Rajoelina, 35, came to power in March when President Marc Ravalomanana stepped aside after intense pressure from the opposition and army chiefs. Ravalomanana, who fled to southern Africa, insists he remains the legitimate leader of the Indian Ocean island and has rejected sharing power with Rajoelina.
Ravalomanana, also present at the meeting, asked to address the summit. Foreign leaders branded the transition a coup and have called for a quick election to restore constitutional order. SADC Executive Secretary Tomaz Salomao said on Friday the various parties were close to reaching a breakthrough, but differences on major issues like a possible election and whether both Rajoelina and Ravalomanana would stand, remained.
The African economic bloc COMESA said earlier this month a military intervention to restore constitutional order on the island could be an option, but UN mediator Tiebile Drame said this would not be sustainable.