Statement by the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO Troika) Mission to Madagascar

Within the framework of finding a way out of the crisis in Madagascar and in the context of the SADC Extraordinary Summit decision of 20 June 2009 that appointed a SADC Mediator for Madagascar;

Recalling the subsequent SADC Summit decisions on Madagascar taken at the Windhoek Summit of August 2010, the Extraordinary SADC Summit held in Windhoek, Namibia in May 2011, the Sandton Summit of 11-12 June 2011 and the Luanda Summit of 17 – 18 August 2011;

Taking into account the principles of consensuality, neutrality, inclusivity, and transparency that should guide the process of transition towards free, fair and credible elections to return the country to Constitutional normalcy;

Considering the content, spirit and scope of the Roadmap for a way out of the crisis in Madagascar which was endorsed with amendments by the SADC Summit of Sandton of June 2011;

Considering further that the SADC Summit in Luanda reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the mediation process in Madagascar and mandated the Organ Troika assisted by the mediator on Madagascar to engage the Stakeholders to fully implement the roadmap as amended by SADC Summit in June 2011 as a matter of urgency, with a view to finding a lasting solution in Madagascar;

Conscious of the need for the Malagasy people to own the process of national dialogue as well as the transition process;

Convinced of the need to engage in a process of re-composition or restructuring the institutions of transition to ensure their equitable representation;

Cognisant of the need to preserve and sustain the spirit of fihavanana and a culture of tolerance and reconciliation that is needed to consolidate peace, security and stability so as to bring to an end the suffering of the Malagasy people and place the country in the path to sustainable development;

Further cognisant of the need to observe and adhere to the relevant international norms and standards,

In order to guide the interpretation of the Roadmap and strengthen its ability to deliver peace and prosperity to the people of Madagascar, we need to take note of the guiding principles and values upon which the Roadmap is based;   

Aware of the imperative need for SADC to continue to support the mediation process in Madagascar including the establishment of the SADC Liaison Office, as a matter of urgency;

Upon signature of the Roadmap, the Troika assisted by the Mediation Team shall work out the modalities for implementation, including the explanatory note to the Roadmap.

ISSUED BY MCO TROIKA WITH THE CONCURRENCE AND SUPPORT OF ALL SIGNATORIES TO THE ROADMAP.

16 SEPTEMBER, 2011
ANTANANARIVO