Zambia Expresses Gratitude to SADC Member States at Closing of 26th Ministerial Committee Meeting
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, M.P, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to all Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States for their unwavering support during Zambia’s tenure as Chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
During the closing ceremony of the 26th Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ in Lusaka, Hon. Haimbe paid special tribute to the Republic of Namibia, the outgoing Chair of the Organ Troika, for their invaluable assistance since August 2023.
The Minister reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to supporting the United Republic of Tanzania as they assume the Chair of the Organ in August 2024.
Hon. Haimbe acknowledged the presence and valuable contributions of all SADC Member States in attendance, highlighting the region’s strides in consolidating democracy.
He noted the successful Presidential and Legislative Elections held in the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republics of Madagascar, South Africa, and Zimbabwe during the 2023-2024 electoral cycle.
On regional security, Hon. Haimbe praised the deployment of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) in December 2023, which underscores the Member States’ commitment to regional security and economic integration. While noting the mission’s need for additional support, he commended those already providing various forms of assistance for their dedication to maintaining regional stability.
Hon. Haimbe announced the full withdrawal of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) from Pemba, Cabo Delgado Province, by July 15, 2024, having successfully completed its mandate.
He highlighted SAMIM’s achievements, including recapturing villages and dislodging terrorists, and expressed hope that the Government of Mozambique, along with its Cooperating Partners, would continue the mission’s work to eradicate extremism in Cabo Delgado Province.
The Minister expressed optimism that the recommendations made during the meeting would be favorably considered by the Heads of State and Government at the upcoming SADC Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, in August 2024.
He also expressed gratitude to the Senior Officials and the SADC Secretariat for their excellent preparation for the Ministerial Meeting, held from July 11 to 12, 2024, following the Meeting of Senior Officials from July 8 to 9, 2024.
The 26th Ministerial Committee of the Organ concluded with a renewed commitment to peace, security, and democratic consolidation in the SADC region.
