President Hakainde Hichilema to Attend Virtual SADC Summit
The Zambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announces President Hakainde Hichilema’s participation in the virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, scheduled for Monday, May 20th, 2024.
President Hichilema, also serving as the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, will engage with regional leaders under the chairmanship of His Excellency Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and Chair of SADC.
The Summit will address the pressing issue of the El Niño induced drought, which has adversely affected numerous lives and livelihoods across the region. Discussions will focus on measures to alleviate the drought’s impact, particularly on food and energy security.
A pivotal aspect of the Summit will be the launch of the SADC International Appeal, aimed at garnering immediate support from regional and international partners to address the identified needs of affected populations.
This Summit holds particular significance for Zambia, following President Hichilema’s declaration of the drought as a national disaster on February 29th, 2024, and subsequent appeals for humanitarian assistance.
President Hichilema will collaborate with fellow Heads of State and Government to devise collective strategies to mitigate the drought’s devastating effects on food and energy security in the region, thereby advancing the agenda for greater integration and development.
Preceding the Summit was the virtual Extraordinary Council of Ministers Meeting held on May 19th, 2024.
This announcement is issued by Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, M.P, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Charter House, Lusaka.
