Zambia Hosts SADC Ministerial Meeting on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation
The Government of the Republic of Zambia, as Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, is hosting the Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) in Lusaka.
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, M.P, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is presiding over the meeting in his capacity as Chairperson of the MCO. The meeting is attended by Hon. Ambrose Lufuma, M.P, Minister of Defence, Hon. Jack J. Mwiimbu, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, and other senior Government officials.
During the opening session, Hon. Haimbe led the meeting in observing a moment of silence in honour of Rt. Hon. Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, late Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, and other passengers who perished in a plane crash on 10th June 2024.
The tribute also extended to security personnel from Member States who died while on duty under the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).
Hon. Haimbe highlighted the importance of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation as a platform for collectively developing common policies and strategies to foster economic and social development in the respective countries and the region.
He noted the successful elections held in the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republics of Madagascar, South Africa, and Zimbabwe since Zambia assumed the Chair of the Organ.
The Minister expressed confidence that the remaining Member States scheduled to hold elections later this year would do so peacefully, ensuring political stability in the region.
The Minister acknowledged progress in the political and security situations in the eastern DRC, Lesotho, and Mozambique, emphasizing the need for continued engagement to find lasting solutions.
He commended the SADC Mission in the DRC, deployed in December 2023, for its commitment to addressing insecurity in the region, and acknowledged the challenges faced by troops from Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Hon. Haimbe also praised the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) for its strides in restoring peace and security, reiterating the region’s commitment to fighting terrorism and protecting all Member States.
He urged continued support for regional efforts in combating terrorism in Mozambique, even with the withdrawal of SAMIM.
Additionally, the Minister noted that the meeting would review the work carried out by the Interstate Defence and Security Committee and the Interstate Politics and Diplomacy Committee. The Ministerial Meeting was preceded by the Senior Officials Meeting on 8th and 9th July 2024.
