Southern African leaders were on Monday expected to suspend Madagascar from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional grouping, after its president was forced from office earlier this month.
SADC heads of state, gathering for a summit in Swaziland, were also due to discuss Zimbabwe’s recovery from economic meltdown, with some member states calling for an end to Western sanctions.
Madagascar’s former President Marc Ravalomanana, who resigned following pressure from the military and new leader Andry Rajoelina, was expected to brief SADC leaders in the Swaziland capital Mbabane before they decide how to deal with the new government.
On Sunday delegates at a foreign ministers meeting, which will make proposals to the leaders’ summit, suggested Madagascar could be suspended from SADC and urged early elections.
The SADC stance could further isolate former disc jockey Rajoelina, who assumed power in a move condemned as a coup by the international community.
The African Union suspended the Indian Ocean island on March 20, giving the new administration six months to call an election as provided for by the constitution. Rajoelina has set a 24-month transition.
Zimbabwe
Also under discussion on Monday will be building support for Zimbabwe’s recovery from an economic crisis that has seen unemployment hit about 90%.
South Africa, the current SADC chairperson, has offered a credit line to support its troubled neighbour and while other SADC countries lack the means to offer funding, they will likely agree to urge Western states to remove sanctions imposed over policy differences with Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe.
Finance ministers from the 15-nation grouping agreed in February to seek donor help to rebuild Zimbabwe’s ruined economy, putting the initial need at $2-billion.
South Africa’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement the summit would receive a report ”on how to help Zimbabwe extricate itself from its current economic challenges”.
A new unity government formed by Mugabe and his long time rival Morgan Tsvangirai has given Zimbabweans hope of economic recovery. However, Western powers, who accuse Mugabe of human rights abuses and election rigging, are reluctant to pour in aid while he remains head of state.
Mugabe is due to attend the SADC summit, accompanied by Finance Minister Tendai Biti from Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change.
Last week the International Monetary Fund said Zimbabwe should clear arrears and implement sound policies if it is to get badly needed financial and technical aid from the fund. — Reuters