Seychelles President James Michel will be meeting this week with the Madagascar President of the Transition Authority Andry Rajoelina and the former President of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana, as they continue their discussions in Seychelles to reach agreement on the implementation of the SADC Roadmap for the resolution of the crisis in Madagascar.

“It is my hope that during this second round of talks in Seychelles we can together reach a consensus that will establish a lasting solution for peace and security in Madagascar. We need identify the means to ensure the Malagasy people are able to heal the wounds of these last three years of crisis. The return of stability in Madagascar is crucial for all countries of the South African, Eastern African and Indian Ocean region,” said President Michel.  

The Malagasy leaders were in Seychelles from 24th-26th July and held meetings on the island of Desroches, under the aegis of  the Southern African Development Community,  and were chaired by South African President Jacob Zuma in his capacity as the Chair of SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security. The meeting was hosted by President Michel and also included the participation of the Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Commission, Jean-Claude de l’Estrac, the Seychelles Foreign Minister Jean Paul Adam as chair of the IOC Council of Ministers,  as well as Deputy Minister  for International Relations and Cooperation of the South Africa, Marius Fransman, as well as representatives of Tanzania, the co-chairs of the Troika.

During the meeting it was agreed that the leaders would reconvene to conclude the outstanding issues in order to report to the SADC Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government in Maputo, Mozambique, due to be held on 16th August.

Mr. Ravalomanana has arrived in Seychelles, and Mr. Rajoelina is expected later today. President Jacob Zuma is expected to arrive in Seychelles tomorrow.

Editor’s Note

•    The Office of the President will provide confirmations of arrivals and photographs.
•    Attached are photographs from the Desroches meeting between 24th-26th July  as well as 1 photograph from this morning’s arrival.