The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has voiced serious concerns over the escalating political and security developments in the Republic of Madagascar. The situation, characterized by unrest within the military ranks and widespread popular demonstrations in the capital, Antananarivo, has raised alarms across the continent.

In a statement, the Chairperson welcomed the Malagasy Government’s renewed commitment to dialogue as a pathway to resolving the crisis peacefully. He underscored the urgent need for all stakeholders, including both civilian authorities and military personnel, to exercise calm and restraint. Emphasizing the importance of peaceful and consensual solutions, he called for full respect of the fundamental rights and freedoms of every citizen amid the turmoil.

Reaffirming the principles embedded in key African governance frameworks—the Lomé Declaration of 2000 and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance—the Chairperson urged Malagasy parties to act with responsibility and patriotism. Preservation of national unity, stability, and peace must be paramount, achieved in full compliance with the country’s Constitution and institutional structures.