The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Saturday expressed deep concern over the reported violent protests in Madagascar and conveyed its support and solidarity to the government and people of the country.
“We note that the demonstrations have regrettably resulted in an unconfirmed number of fatalities, injuries, and extensive damage to both public and private property, leading to the imposition of a night-time curfew in the capital,” the SADC said in a statement. “The loss of life, harm to individuals, and destruction of property are very unfortunate and run counter to the principles of peace, unity, and sustainable development that lie at the heart of the SADC vision,” it added.
“We commend the government’s steadfast commitment to restoring peace and stability, and to safeguarding the security, dignity, and welfare of all Malagasy citizens,” said the statement.
The regional bloc called upon all stakeholders to exercise calm and restraint, and create an environment for constructive engagement and peaceful resolution of any differences in the supreme interest of national unity, peace, and reconciliation. A demonstration was organized on Thursday in Antananarivo to protest over frequent power outages and water shortages, which escalated into looting in several parts of the Indian Ocean island country by the end of the day. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
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