South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the restoration of calm in Madagascar during the closing ceremony of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) virtual extraordinary Summit of heads of State and government held on Wednesday.

As interim chairperson of SADC, he also reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to remain actively engaged with the political and security situation in Madagascar until a government was established through an electoral process.

SADC would deploy a ‘Panel of Elders and Mediation Reference Group’ to Madagascar “to engage with all the stakeholders to ensure there is an inclusive process leading up to the holding of free, fair and credible elections”.

Ramaphosa urged the Malagasy people to choose a path of peace, unity, reconciliation and development, while noting the national consultation processes launched by the transitional government last week.

Madagascar is currently under a transitional government, established in October, after mass protests and the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina.

The transitional government had set a goal of national refoundation, the crafting of a new constitution, and the holding of new elections within a two-year period.

Ramaphosa said the summit urged the transitional government led by Colonel Micheal Randrianirina to initiate an inclusive national dialogue that was Malagasy-owned and led.

“This will pave the way for fresh elections and facilitate the peaceful return of political exiles,” he said.

 “We have further called on the transitional government of Madagascar to ensure that the reform processes are timely, inclusive of all stakeholders, and create a conducive environment in which political exiles can contribute meaningfully,” he added.

Ramaphosa also used the platform to congratulate Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on his election as incoming chairperson of the SADC.

Hichilema was elected on Wednesday, during the closing ceremony of the SADC virtual extraordinary Summit of heads of State and government.

“I look forward to working closely with you, my dear brother as we advance the mandate of SADC in pursuit of peace, security and shared prosperity for our region and all its peoples,” said Ramaphosa.