The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Release
9th August 2012
Seychelles Joins SADC Mission to Madagascar
Seychelles has been invited to participate in wider consultations with stakeholders in Madagascar following the conclusion of the second round of talks between Malagasy leaders, Andry Rajoelina and Marc Ravalomanana in Seychelles today.
In a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this afternoon, Minister Jean-Paul Adam explained that Seychelles would be participating in the mission at the Invitation of President Jacob Zuma, Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Troika on Politics, Defence and Security. Though not a member of the Troika mandated to address the on-going crisis in Madagascar, Seychelles has been invited in recognition of its contributions to the talks and as holding the Presidency of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).
“Following this set of talks we are very clear on the positions of both leaders, but what is also clear is that wider consultations are key for a durable solution to the crisis,” said the Foreign Minister.
“This issue is bigger than a disagreement between two people,” added the Minister, “We must also look at the wider issues and ensure that the gains and progress towards democracy made today, last for tomorrow.”
The Minister explained that this SADC Mission was charged with consulting with a wide group of people which included other local stakeholders of the SADC Roadmap and other important sectors such as the military, the religious representatives, and the non-governmental sector.
Minister Adam, who is the current Chair of the IOC Council of Ministers, added that President James Michel and the Seychelles Government remained committed to playing whatever role necessary to bring this crisis to an end for the benefit of the Malagasy people and for the region as a whole:
“We want to get to a place where the people of Madagascar have confidence in their democratic system, and we are encouraged by the fact that a date has been set for elections next year, and we are pleased with the momentum added by these concluded talks, and now I feel we are in the home stretch towards free, fair and credible elections in Madagascar.”
Minister Adam will be joining the South African Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Marius Fransman, who is also the Special Envoy to Madagascar, in Madagascar tomorrow.
Editors Notes:
· This second meeting was hosted by Seychelles President James Michel, and Chaired by President Jacob Zuma, in his capacity as the current Chair of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security under the aegis of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
· The meeting included the participation of the SADC Secretary General Dr. Tomaz Salomão, and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) Secretary General Jean-Claude de l'Estrac, as well as representatives of Tanzania, the co-chairs of the Troika.
· Seychelles is the current Chair of the Indian Ocean Commission and is member of SADC.
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