GABORONE, Botswana – In a last-minute diplomatic push, the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called on its members to rally behind Madagascar’s candidate, Richard J. Randriamandrato, for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), emphasizing regional unity.
Randriamandrato, a former Malagasy Minister of Foreign Affairs, remains the sole contender from the SADC bloc following Mauritius’ withdrawal.
The SADC Executive Secretary underscored the strategic importance of securing the role for the region, urging member states to align their support accordingly.
UPDATE: The 16-member SADC bloc has urged its members in a last-minute diplomatic push to back Madagascar’s candidate for the AUC top seat, highlighting regional unity. Still, each member retains the right to vote based on national interest.
“The Republic of Madagascar has formally requested backing from SADC Member States for its candidate,” the letter stated, reiterating the region’s commitment to influencing AU leadership.
While SADC has urged coordinated support, each member state retains the right to vote based on national interest.
The SADC Committee of Ambassadors in Addis Ababa has been closely monitoring the process, reinforcing the need for a unified approach in the upcoming elections.
The matter was first discussed at a Council meeting in August 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe, where regional leaders agreed on the importance of securing senior leadership positions within the AU.
However, despite diplomatic efforts, the final vote remains at the discretion of individual states.
Madagascar has encouraged regional governments to formally communicate their backing, reinforcing the bloc’s influence within the AU’s leadership structure.
Southern African Development Community (SADC) calls upon its 16 member states to support Madagascar’s candidate, Richard Randriamandrato, for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairpersonship in a final diplomatic push to consolidate regional backing 48 hours to the election at…
The upcoming elections will determine the next AUC Chairperson, a crucial role in shaping Africa’s policy direction and governance.
The AUC elections present a strategic opportunity for the SADC region to strengthen its presence at the continental level, with Madagascar’s bid serving as a test of regional solidarity.
