Following a military takeover in Madagascar, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been elected as the interim chairperson of the Southern African Development Community. The bloc’s leaders appointed him during a virtual extraordinary summit held on November 8, 2025. Ramaphosa, whose nation was the deputy chair, will lead the organization until August 2026, completing the term originally assigned to Madagascar’s ousted president, Andry Rajoelina.
The leadership change became necessary after a military unit in Madagascar, CAPSAT, seized power in October. Colonel Michael Randrianirina was installed as the new leader following the impeachment of President Rajoelina, which was prompted by widespread youth-led protests over economic conditions and public services. The SADC expressed regret over the instability and extended condolences to affected families in Madagascar and Tanzania.
President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for pragmatic solutions to the region’s challenges, stating that citizens require immediate improvements while the bloc works toward its long-term 2050 vision. The SADC Secretariat will now consult member states to select a new incoming chairperson by the end of November. The organization’s current theme on industrialization and energy transition will remain in place.
The leadership change became necessary after a military unit in Madagascar, CAPSAT, seized power in October. Colonel Michael Randrianirina was installed as the new leader following the impeachment of President Rajoelina, which was prompted by widespread youth-led protests over economic conditions and public services. The SADC expressed regret over the instability and extended condolences to affected families in Madagascar and Tanzania.
President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for pragmatic solutions to the region’s challenges, stating that citizens require immediate improvements while the bloc works toward its long-term 2050 vision. The SADC Secretariat will now consult member states to select a new incoming chairperson by the end of November. The organization’s current theme on industrialization and energy transition will remain in place.
