Zambia’s Permanent Secretary Presides Over SADC Virtual Meeting on Politics and Diplomacy
Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, presided over the Senior Officials virtual meeting of the SADC Inter-State Politics and Diplomacy Committee.
During the opening session, Ms. Gundersen conveyed sincere condolences to the Governments and people of South Africa and Tanzania following the deaths of Sergeant Mbulelo David Ngubane and Corporal Mussa Idrisa Mkama.
The soldiers, deployed under SAMIDRC in the Democratic Republic of Congo, died in the line of duty on 30th May 2024.
Ms. Gundersen highlighted the successful launch of a statue in honour of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the Founding Father of Tanzania, at the African Union Commission Buildings during the 37th African Union Summit in February 2024.
The event was presided over by Zambian President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and supported by other Heads of State including Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The Permanent Secretary reported significant achievements in the region, noting the deployment of SADC Electoral Observation Missions to South Africa and Madagascar for their elections held on 29th May 2024.
She expressed gratitude to Member States for their participation, highlighting the leadership of Mr. Enock Kavindele and Hon. Justice Florence Mumba in these missions.
Ms. Gundersen praised South Africa and Madagascar for conducting peaceful elections, and expressed optimism that the meeting would facilitate discussions to further consolidate democracy, peace, and security in the region.
