The Indian Ocean island of Madagascar has applied to join the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The move comes at a time when another Indian Ocean island, Seychelles will be leaving the 14- member organisation in July and the process for admitting new members has been tightened.

SADC executive secretary Prega Ramsamy told a news briefing in Gaborone on 20 May that Madagascar would be assessed to determine whether it qualified for membership. The executive secretary informed the meeting that the structure of membership contributions has changed from being equal payment to one based on a member's gross domestic product (GDP).

New members are expected to share SADC's aspirations with regard to macro-economic converg e n c e , good governance, commitment to agreed decisions and to carrying out its responsibilities.

Consequently, members contribute between five percent and 20 percent of their GDP. Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1886, but regained its independence in 1960. Headed by President Marc Ravalomanana since 6 May 2002, it is located east of Mozambique. (BOPA)