The COMESA Secretariat has learnt with deep sorrow about the passing on of Madam Monique Andreas Esoavelomandraso, a member of the COMESA Committee of Elders from Madagascar. She died on Monday 17th March 2025 in Madagascar.
Head of the Governance, Peace and Security Unit Dr Oita Etyang revealed that upon being appointed to the Committee of Elders in 2021, Madam Esoavelomandraso was a very active member and served COMESA with a lot of dedication.
“She was very passionate about issues of democratic governance and defence of fundamental rights, gender equality and young people. Madam Esoavelomandraso always seized the opportunity to share words of wisdom with youth as was witnessed during the Inter-generational dialogues held in November 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya and October 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia,
Before being appointed to the COMESA Committee of Elders, Madam Esoavelomandraso was a Minister of Decentralization and Development of Autonomous Provinces of the Republic of Madagascar (2002-2005). Thereafter, she served as Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Commission until 2008. She also served as a mediator for the Republic of Madagascar as a Member of the negotiation group led by Ecumenical Council of Churches of Madagascar for the resolution of the political deadlock in 2009. She was also a member of the conflict resolution team during the presidential elections of 2005 in the Republic of Comoros.
Her contribution will be dearly missed by the COMESA fraternity. We pray for the repose of her dear soul.