Zimbabwe News Update
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SADC to convene emergency summit over political developments in Madagascar
Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign EditorTHE Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government are expected to convene an emergency summit to deliberate on events unfolding within the region.Recent political unrest in Madagascar saw the seating Chairperson for the regional body being ousted through a military takeover, with the newly sworn-in Malagasy government announcing its formal withdrawal from the post.In a statement last week Thursday, South Africa’s cabinet approved the request from the SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi to assume the interim chairperson of the bloc.According to the SADC Secretariat’s Head of Communications and Public Relations, Ms Barbra Lopi, the summit is expected to deliberate on the matter and give feedback on the way forward.“From a legal point of view, Articles 9A, 2B and 10A of the SADC treaty stipulate that the incoming Chairperson should assume interim leadership when the sitting chairperson is unable to perform their duties, but the summit will discuss this issue and we will have feedback after that.”Madagascar has previously been suspended from the SADC in 2009, with the ban lifted during the 2014 Summit of Heads of State and Government.The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council suspended Madagascar from all AU activities on 15 October, citing an unconstitutional change of government.The Peace and Security Council also called for a rapid return to constitutional order through an inclusive civilian-led transition and elections.
Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
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