By Burnett Munthali
During the Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government, held virtually on 17 December 2025, Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah represented Malawi on behalf of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who was unable to attend due to other pressing engagements.
Dr. Ansah opened her remarks by expressing gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa for assuming the SADC Chairmanship during a particularly challenging period for the region, and assured the Summit of Malawi’s unwavering support throughout his tenure.
She highlighted the meticulous work of the SADC Secretariat and the Council of Ministers in preparing the report that guided the Summit’s deliberations, acknowledging the thoroughness of the Joint Fact-Finding Mission tasked with analyzing the political and security situation in Madagascar.
Dr. Ansah further commended the Organ Troika for its thoughtful recommendations and the decisions proposed concerning Madagascar, noting their potential to guide the region toward a peaceful resolution.
Emphasizing Malawi’s long-standing commitment to regional peace and stability, Dr. Ansah pointed out that such efforts are critical for sustainable socio-economic development and highlighted Malawi’s active engagement in promoting dialogue and contributing to peacekeeping operations whenever conflicts arise.
Regarding the situation in Madagascar, she reiterated Malawi’s full endorsement of the recommendations presented to the Summit, stressing the urgent need to restore normalcy, peace, and security in the country as a prerequisite for its prosperity and development.
She urged SADC member states to maintain coordinated and expedited efforts to achieve these objectives, stressing that a collaborative approach would reinforce regional stability and safeguard democratic governance.
Dr. Ansah also drew attention to the financial implications of implementing the proposed measures, appealing to the Summit to approve the Council of Ministers’ proposals so that resources could be mobilized promptly for effective action.
In closing, she formally reaffirmed Malawi’s support for all recommendations and decisions tabled before the Extraordinary Summit, underlining the country’s commitment to working with SADC partners to ensure peace and stability in Madagascar.
