The African Union (AU) has announced the immediate deployment of a high-level delegation to Madagascar following a surge in violent protests and political instability that has gripped the island nation in recent weeks.
In a statement on Monday, the AU Peace and Security Council expressed “deep concern” over the deteriorating situation in Madagascar, citing the destruction of property and reported loss of life.
To address the unfolding crisis, the AU has called for the urgent appointment of a special envoy to Madagascar and the strengthening of its liaison office in the country.
“The Peace and Security Council recommends to the Chairperson of the Union, with the support of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, to immediately dispatch a high-level delegation to Madagascar to engage with the stakeholders concerned with a view to address the challenges in the country,” the statement said.
The envoy would work closely with the AU’s Panel of the Wise, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Indian Ocean Commission to facilitate mediation and stabilisation efforts. Rajoelina is current SADC chairperson.
The council also urged the Malagasy Armed Forces to remain apolitical and uphold their constitutional mandate, warning against military interference in governance.
It emphasised the need for an inclusive national dialogue and called for the reactivation of the 2011 Roadmap for Ending the Crisis in Madagascar, which was enacted into law to guide reconciliation and democratic transition.
The AU stressed the importance of coordinated regional support and non-interference in the country’s internal affairs.
It further called on the government to address the structural root causes of the crisis through a “whole of government-whole of society” approach, ensuring the participation of women, youth and other critical stakeholders.
The council condemned all forms of violence and rejected any attempts at unconstitutional change of government, urging protesters to pursue grievances through legal channels.
The AU’s intervention comes amid mounting tensions in Madagascar where opposition groups have since 25 September staged mass demonstrations against the government, accusing it of electoral manipulation and economic mismanagement.
An elite unit of the Malagasy army announced on Sunday that it has taken control, forcing President Andriy Rajoelina to flee the country.
