Madagascar to drop democracy roadmap for SADC by February

Madagascar told SADC the paperwork roadmap to democracy is coming by February, after last year’s power drama forced a regional reset.

Why SADC is watching closely

• Madagascar hit political turbulence late last year, and the military-backed handover rattled nerves.
• The country stepped away from the SADC chair to focus inward.
• Rebuilding trust and institutions became the priority.

Who met and where

• The Southern African Development Community sent its top official to Antananarivo.
• Elias Magosi sat down with Michael Randrianirina.
• The talks were framed as steady engagement, not crisis control.

The promise on the table

• Randrianirina said Sadc will get the requested report by the end of February 2026.
• That package covers the transition path, dialogue readiness, and a draft national roadmap.
• The request came straight from the SADC Extraordinary Summit.

What the report is meant to do

• Lay out how Madagascar plans to stabilize its democracy.
• Show progress on inclusive national dialogue.
• Map out constitutional reform and future elections.

Elections and reforms angle

• Electoral reform was flagged as a top concern by the President.
• Parliament is operating as a unicameral body for now.
• Bigger institutional changes hinge on outcomes from national dialogue.

SADC’s stance during the talks

• The bloc reaffirmed Madagascar’s value as a member state.
• Support was reiterated for peace, stability, constitutional order, and inclusive growth.
• Continued engagement was stressed as non-negotiable.

Regional priorities folded in

• Talks stretched beyond politics into infrastructure and economic transformation.
• Climate change, peace, and security were treated as shared pressures.
• Regional integration stayed front and center.

Money and development push

• Magosi highlighted the SADC Regional Development Fund as a key tool.
• Member states were nudged to fast-track ratification.
• The fund is pitched as fuel for infrastructure and regional programs.

Trade and climate reality check

• Leaders talked up value addition and regional value chains.
• Intra-regional trade was framed as unfinished business.
• Climate change was called out as a problem no country can solve alone.

How it all lands

• Madagascar stays engaged with SADC while fixing its internal house.
• February is the deadline everyone is circling.
• The region is betting dialogue beats isolation.