President Kgalema Motlanthe Expresses Serious Concerns Regarding Developments in Madagascar

PRETORIA- South African President and Chairperson of SADC President Kgalema Motlanthe today, Tuesday 17 March joined leaders of the African Union in expressing regret at the resignation of President Marc Ravalomanana of Madagascar and the handing over of power to the Military Directorate.

“Of particular concern are the unconstitutional attempts undertaken by the opposition that led to the resignation of the democratically elected President of a SADC member country. South Africa and SADC will never countenance the unconstitutional transfer of power from a democratically elected government in any of our member-states” said President Motlanthe.

“In this regard, SADC urges all role players in Madagascar to resolve their differences through negotiations aimed at ensuring that a solution is found, which is constitutional and will restore peace and stability on the island, as a matter of priority” continued President Motlanthe.
“Accordingly, we call on all stake-holders to refrain from taking any action that may be unconstitutional, inconsistent with the democratic values of our region and the continent or lead to further loss of lives, injury or destruction of property”.

“SADC will continue to monitor the situation closely. In this context the SADC Organ Troika of Politics, Defence and Security will be convening in Mbabane, Swaziland on Thursday 19 March to review the situation in Madagascar” concluded President Motlanthe..

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

17 March 2008.