Leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including Namibia's President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, are holding a Virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government to elect an interim chairperson of the regional grouping.
Madagascar, which held the rotating chair of the regional bloc, was stripped of that portfolio following the overthrow of its government in September.
The Extraordinary Summit, convened and chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, was held under the theme "Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC".
The meeting is considering, among others, a fact-finding mission report on the political situation in Madagascar as well as electing an interim chairperson.
In a brief opening statement, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the people of Madagascar yearn for durable peace and development.
"The developments in Madagascar in September this year brought to the fore the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of our regional development objectives to attain our SADC Vision 2050. This vision seeks to achieve a region whose peoples live in peace and harmony and can realise their economic potential. Through our SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, we seek to promote and maintain peace, security, democracy and political stability in our region. The protocol also calls for solidarity amongst our people. "
President Ramaphosa also stated that other political and security challenges continue to plague parts of the region.
"The situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains of grave concern. We also stand in solidarity with the government and the people of Mozambique in their quest for stability and security in the Cabo Delgado province."
Ramaphosa also pointed out that the leaders and people of the region have a collective responsibility to achieve peace and stability in Madagascar.
"In conclusion, this session will also be expected to elect the interim incoming chair of our organisation, thereby ensuring that there is a full and complete troika to drive our regional peace, security and development agenda."
Following the opening session of the Summit, the leaders went into a closed session, and a joint communique announcing the interim SADC chair is expected to be delivered at the end of the meeting.