Ramaphosa takes interim SADC chair role
South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa will temporarily lead the Southern African Development Community following Madagascar’s resignation from the post during domestic upheaval, regional heads of state determined during a virtual gathering on Friday. The interim arrangement extends through August 2026 while member nations identify a permanent successor by late November.
The bloc acknowledged fatalities during September protests in Madagascar and October demonstrations in Tanzania but avoided addressing allegations of electoral misconduct and abuse accompanying Tanzanian voting. Regional officials congratulated Samia Hassan on her Tanzanian victory alongside newly elected presidents from Malawi and Seychelles despite controversy surrounding democratic standards.
Zimbabwe’s outgoing chairman, Emmerson Mnangagwa, volunteered to host select organizational meetings during the transition period while the alliance continues pursuing industrial development and energy initiatives established at its August summit in Antananarivo.
