President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has condemned the coup attempt in Madagascar.
She called for urgent regional action to protect democracy, warning that instability in the island nation threatens Southern Africa’s collective security and development agenda.
This came after president Andry Rajoelina reportedly fled the country amid an attempted coup that has now escalated into a full military seizure of power. In a statement issued through Presidential Press Secretary Jonas Mbambo, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia is “gravely concerned” by the unfolding political and security crisis, describing it as a betrayal
of the democratic values that Southern African leaders reaffirmed just two months ago.
Her statement follows a similar warning from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, chaired by Malawian president Arthur Peter Mutharika.
He confirmed that SADC is “alarmed” by the attempted coup and will deploy a fact-finding mission of its Panel of Elders to facilitate dialogue and restore order.
Fresh developments indicate that president Rajoelina has fled Madagascar after sections of the military turned against his administration.
Soldiers have taken control of key state institutions, triggering fears of a full-scale power grab.
Opposition groups and some security factions have demanded a transitional government, while reports suggest sporadic clashes and civilian casualties in the capital.
Madagascar has a long history of political instability, with coups in 2002, 2009 and 2010 disrupting democratic rule.
The current crisis marks the most serious breakdown since then, and threatens to undo years of fragile progress.
In a strongly worded statement issued through Mbambo on Tuesday, Nandi-Ndaitwah reminded the region that only two months ago, SADC Heads of State gathered in Antananarivo for the 45th Ordinary Summit, hosted by Madagascar itself, where leaders committed to economic integration, industrialisation, agriculture transformation and energy transition as key development pillars. “These commitments rest upon the understanding that stable governance, constitutional order and respect for democratic norms are indispensable prerequisites for sustainable development,” she said.
She further noted the irony that Malagasy president Rajoelina was elected chairperson of SADC in August, a position that places Madagascar in a leadership role within the region.
“It is regrettable that these recent events appear to betray the very principles we reaffirmed only months ago,” she stated, warning that any attempt to assume power through unconstitutional means “risks undermining regional commitments, eroding public trust and endangering peace and stability”.
The President called on all actors in Madagascar, particularly within the security services, to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.
She urged a return to democratic order through “peaceful, inclusive dialogue,” echoing the SADC Organ’s appeal that all stakeholders “exercise maximum calm,” respect constitutional governance and safeguard citizens’ rights and dignity.
The SADC Organ, in its own statement, lamented the loss of life and destruction during demonstrations, calling such events a “tragedy” that undermines regional values.
It further directed law enforcement to act professionally and with respect for human rights, while urging citizens to express concerns lawfully.
In a decisive move, the Organ announced it will deploy the SADC Panel of Elders to Madagascar “without delay” to conduct a fact-finding mission and assist in creating conditions for dialogue and institutional normalcy. The Organ reaffirmed its commitment to unity, solidarity, democracy and rule of law – principles it says are essential to the region’s stability and prosperity.
Nandi-Ndaitwah echoed this stance, urging both SADC and the African Union to actively support mediation efforts to ensure promises made at the August Summit “are honoured and not undermined”.
Volatility
Madagascar has a history of repeated political disruptions.
Coups in 2002, 2009 and 2010 derailed democratic processes, leading to international sanctions and economic stagnation.
Although elections in recent years restored civilian rule, tensions over governance, economic inequality and alleged military interference have persisted.
The latest unrest reportedly stemmed from internal divisions within the security forces and opposition challenges to president Rajoelina’s legitimacy.
Madagascar holds strategic importance due to its geography, natural resources and emerging role in regional trade and maritime security. The island is also central to SADC’s blue economy ambitions and climate resilience strategies. Instability there threatens SADC’s broader agenda of economic transformation and integration – priority areas repeatedly emphasised by regional leaders.
Stands
“Namibia reiterates its solidarity with the people of Madagascar in these trying times,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, stressing that peaceful governance is not only a national issue but “a regional obligation”.
Both Namibia and SADC have made it clear that unconstitutional power grabs will not be tolerated, and democracy must prevail.