Deputy Minister Marius Fransman to lead SADC Troika Ministerial Meeting on Madagascar political situation

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Marius Llewellyn Fransman, is to lead a SADC Troika Organ Ministerial delegation to Madagascar from 14-15 September 2011. The SADC Troika Ministerial Meeting forms part of efforts within SADC towards a lasting solution to the political crisis in Madagascar. 

The visit of the Ministerial Troika Organ to Madagascar follows the 31st SADC Heads of State and Government Summit recently held in Luanda, Angola, where the Troika, assisted by the SADC Mediator, was mandated to convene a meeting with Malagasy stakeholders to discuss the political situation in Madagascar.

The Troika delegation, in its fact-finding mission to Madagascar, will engage the Malagasy stakeholders to accept the Road Map as amended by the SADC Extraordinary Summit held in Sandton, South Africa, in June 2011.

As Chair of the SADC Troika Organ, South Africa will continue to support the SADC Mediator, former President of Mozambique, Mr Joachim Chissano, and Dr Leonardo Simão, former Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs who was appointed by President Chissano as his special envoy.

The mediator is tasked with leading efforts towards an amicable solution to the Malagasy political impasse and to return the country to constitutional governance.

Delegations from Zambia and Tanzania will also form part of the SADC Troika Organ Ministerial Mission. Deputy Minister Fransman’s delegation comprises of senior officials from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

For further information please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela spokesperson for DIRCO on 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
www.dirco.gov.za

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale

13 September 2011