LOZITHA – His Majesty King Mswati III, as the incoming Chairman of the SADC Troika, has called on law enforcement agencies in Madagascar to restore constitutional normalcy immediately, according to reports by Times Eswatini.
The King received former President Andry Rajoelina and his delegation at Mandvulo Grand Hall yesterday evening for talks on the situation that led to Rajoelina’s removal from office.
“Procedurally, if a Head of State has been removed from office in an unconstitutional manner, they have the right to be heard before any action is taken,” the statement said. The King noted that under SADC protocols, Rajoelina, who was serving as chairman at the time of his removal, should have been consulted. His Majesty had been engaged in the annual Incwala Ceremony, which delayed earlier discussions.
Prior to meeting the former president, the King consulted with the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and the chairman of SADC. After hearing the president, the King stated that Rajoelina’s removal was unconstitutional and reminded that he had been properly elected in 2023.
“The principles and protocols of SADC are against and will always oppose the unconstitutional removal of Heads of State from office,” the King said. He expressed concern over the events in Madagascar, noting they violate United Nations and African Union principles, and highlighted the international community’s focus on the “Silencing the Guns” initiative.
President Rajoelina fled Madagascar on October 12, 2025, after CAPSAT, an elite military unit, overthrew his government following protests that began in late September 2025. The unit encouraged other military personnel to join, allowing them to take control of the capital, Antananarivo, with minimal resistance.
The King spoke through Acting Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla during the visit, urging all authorities in Madagascar to ensure the restoration of constitutional order. He recalled that the 2023 elections had been widely recognized as free and fair.
Discussion about this post