MADAGASCAR RELINQUISHES SADC CHAIRMANSHIP
Summit was also attended by Ministers from the SADC Member States, and the
Executive Secretary of SADC.
Summit extended its sincere condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the protests that occurred in the Republic of Madagascar in September and, more recently, in the United Republic of Tanzania. It expressed deep regret that these events resulted, not only in the loss of life, but also in the destruction of public property and critical infrastructure in both nations.
Summit congratulated His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of
the Republic of Malawi; His Excellency Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles; and Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, on their elections held in September and
October 2025, respectively.
Summit acknowledged the decision by the Republic of Madagascar to relinquish
her role as Chair of SADC, following recent political developments that have
impacted her capacity to discharge the responsibilities of the position.
27. Summit acknowledged that, in accordance with Articles 9A(2)(b) and 10(4) of the
SADC Treaty, the Incoming Chairperson (Deputy Chairperson) shall assume
interim leadership should the sitting Chair be unable to fulfil their duties. In this
regard, the Republic of South Africa was appointed as Interim Chair of SADC until
August 2026. The SADC Secretariat will engage Member States, in line with the
principle of rotation, to identify a new Incoming Chairperson (Deputy Chairperson)
by 30th November 2025.
8. Summit agreed that SADC will continue implementing the theme adopted at 45th
SADC Summit in August 2025 in Antananarivo, Republic of Madagascar, titled
“Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition
for a Resilient SADC” until August 2026.
9. Summit expressed its appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Matamela Cyril
Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa for convening the
Extraordinary Summit and accepting to chair the regional body.
10. Summit welcomed the offer by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo
Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, to host selected SADC
Meetings in Zimbabwe during the interim period, in his capacity as the Outgoing
Chairperson of SADC.
11. The Chairperson of SADC expressed heartfelt gratitude to all Heads of State and
Government for participating in the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State
and Government, and for the honour of electing him to lead the SADC region.
Done on 7th November 2025
Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.