WINDHOEK, Oct. 16 — Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed deep concern over recent political developments in Madagascar, urging all parties to uphold the rule of law and restore constitutional order through peaceful dialogue.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the turmoil in Madagascar threatens to undermine the values and commitments made by Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders during their 45th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, in August.
“At that summit, we reaffirmed our shared vision to deepen regional integration, promote industrialization, and strengthen democratic governance,” she said, emphasizing that any attempt to assume power through unconstitutional means runs counter to the principles that bind SADC member states.
Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina, who assumed the SADC chairmanship at the summit, bears a regional responsibility to uphold democratic ideals, noting that recent events “appear to betray the very principles reaffirmed only months ago.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah said that Namibia strongly condemns any efforts to undermine constitutional rule, calling on all actors, particularly security services, to exercise restraint and ensure a peaceful, inclusive resolution to the crisis.
“Namibia reiterates its solidarity with the people of Madagascar in these trying times,” the president said, urging SADC and the African Union to actively support mediation efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region. (Xinhua)
