By: Mathias Hangala
Namibia has expressed concern over the recent political upheaval in Madagascar, joining a growing chorus of African nations condemning the military takeover in the island nation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah denounced the unconstitutional change of government, warning that such actions threaten the stability, integrity, and democratic commitments of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The Indian Ocean island nation of Madagascar has plunged into political turmoil following weeks of youth-led protests which culminated in a military takeover, casting the country’s future into deep uncertainty. Matters are said to have escalated after the Army Personnel Administration Centre (CAPSAT), an elite unit of the military, announced it had suspended the constitution and assumed control, shortly after parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina.
Led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, CAPSAT troops stormed the Ambohitsorohitra presidential palace in the capital, Antananarivo, declaring they had seized the reins of government.
“It is regrettable that these recent events appear to betray the very principles we reaffirmed only months ago,” the statement read. “Any attempt to assume power through unconstitutional means runs counter to the values and obligations that bind SADC member states,” it continued.
Namibia’s response comes in the wake of reports that Madagascar’s military announced control of the country following Rajoelina’s impeachment by lawmakers. It is alleged that he since fled the country after weeks of protests, during which segments of the military defected and ultimately declared a takeover.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated Namibia’s commitment to constitutional order, stable governance, and respect for democratic norms, which she described as “indispensable prerequisites for sustainable development.”
“In August this year, Heads of State and Government of SADC convened in Antananarivo for the 45th Ordinary Summit, where leaders made solemn, forward-looking pledges to deepen economic integration, industrialise, and transform the region. These commitments rest upon the foundation of democratic stability,” the statement noted.
Adding further weight to the unfolding turmoil, President Rajoelina had recently assumed the chairmanship of SADC for the period beginning in August 2025. “With this added responsibility, Madagascar holds a position of leadership and moral stewardship in the region,” read the statement.
Namibia has called on all relevantactors in Madagascar, particularly the security services, to show restraint and work towards restoring democratic order through peaceful and inclusive dialogue.
“We strongly condemn any attempt to subvert constitutional order,” the statement declared, sharing Namibia’s stance. “We call upon all regional and continental bodies, including SADC and the African Union, to actively support mediation efforts and ensure that the promises made at the August summit are upheld,” it concluded.
In a parallel development, the African Union (AU) announced Madagascar’s immediate suspension following an emergency session of its Peace and Security Council on Wednesday. The AU reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on unconstitutional changes of government, demanding the military step back from political involvement.
“The armed forces must respect the constitution,” the AU stated, warning of targeted sanctions if the military refuses to comply.
Madagascar, one of the poorest nations in the world, continues to grapple with economic challenges. According to the World Bank, 75% of its 30 million people live below the poverty line, and only a third have access to electricity.
The ongoing unconstitutional exchange of power only serves as testament of the country’s history of political instability. Rajoelina first came to power in 2009 through a military-backed coup, later stepping down in 2013 before returning to office after winning the 2018 election.
