The Two Organizations Disagree on the Recognition of the Transitional Government

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reaffirmed its firm stance with the African Union regarding the political situation in Madagascar at a recent meeting in February 2026. Since the regime change, the two organizations have disagreed on the recognition of the transitional government.

SADC, led by Namibia’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, strongly condemns any unconstitutional seizure of power and demands a swift return to democratic order through dialogue. It deployed a technical mission in October 2025 to engage in dialogue, emphasizing that Madagascar, as the outgoing SADC chair, bears a heightened moral responsibility. The region rejects the two-year transition period proposed by the military, which dissolved Parliament, the Constitutional Court, and the electoral institutions.

The African Union (AU), for its part, expressed “deep concern” and called for restraint, but favored an inclusive African solution in coordination with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Indian Ocean Commission. During emergency sessions of the Peace and Security Council, the AU insisted on rejecting unconstitutional changes, while noting the root causes: Gen Z youth protests against water and electricity shortages.

This defense of the SADC position comes after criticism from the AU regarding the lack of continental unity. The SADC argues that its geographical proximity justifies its leadership, calling for swift elections and a new constitution via referendum. This tension reflects the divisions within Africa, where the SADC seeks to preserve its regional authority in the face of a more globalist AU. Joint mediation could emerge, prioritizing stability and inclusive reforms to avoid Madagascar’s diplomatic isolation.