South Africa will assume temporary leadership of the Southern African Development Community after Madagascar withdrew from the position because of internal turmoil that has undermined its ability to fulfill the duties. The regional bloc announced on Friday during an emergency virtual meeting led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, noting that South Africa will hold the role until a permanent replacement is selected by the end of this month.
Madagascar's government has faced weeks of unrest that began in late September when demonstrators protested utility shortages before broadening their demands to include removing President Andry Rajoelina and addressing systemic graft. A military faction that previously supported Rajoelina's rise to power broke away and aligned with protesters, while Colonel Michael Randrianirina declared himself leader of a reconstituted republic. Both the African Union and the United Nations have criticized the events as an effort to change the government through unconstitutional means.
The summit also recognized recent election results in Malawi, Seychelles, and Tanzania while expressing sympathy for those affected by violence in Madagascar and Tanzania.
Madagascar's government has faced weeks of unrest that began in late September when demonstrators protested utility shortages before broadening their demands to include removing President Andry Rajoelina and addressing systemic graft. A military faction that previously supported Rajoelina's rise to power broke away and aligned with protesters, while Colonel Michael Randrianirina declared himself leader of a reconstituted republic. Both the African Union and the United Nations have criticized the events as an effort to change the government through unconstitutional means.
The summit also recognized recent election results in Malawi, Seychelles, and Tanzania while expressing sympathy for those affected by violence in Madagascar and Tanzania.
