SADC Reaffirms Regional Solidarity and Peace Commitments at Ministerial Security Meeting

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to regional peace, security, and development during the 27th Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, held from 24–25 July in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.

Chaired by Honourable Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the high-level gathering brought together ministers responsible for foreign affairs, public and state security from all SADC Member States. The MCO serves as the SADC’s principal mechanism for coordinating peace and security efforts across the region.

Ambassador Kombo emphasized the shared responsibility of Member States in building a resilient security architecture. He applauded the contributions of the Panel of Elders and Mediation Reference Group, as well as the recent launch of the Network of Women Mediators, an inclusive initiative aimed at integrating the voices of women and children into peacebuilding processes.

On the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the MCO reiterated SADC’s commitment to resolving the conflict in the east through joint efforts with the East African Community (EAC), reaffirming the region’s preference for dialogue and political solutions.

SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi highlighted the importance of unity amid shifting global dynamics such as rising protectionism and declining foreign aid. “This is the time for solidarity. Together, we can rise to meet any challenge,” he stated.

Mr. Magosi commended the Troop Contributing Countries and the host nation for their cooperation in the now-concluded SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), and praised countries that provided financial support. He also reiterated the region’s resolve to combat transnational crimes through integrated strategies targeting poaching, human trafficking, cybercrime, and arms proliferation.

A major highlight of the meeting was the endorsement of the draft Framework on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) and Transitional Justice (TJ). If adopted by the SADC Council of Ministers, the frameworks are expected to strengthen peacebuilding, reduce the recurrence of conflict, and promote community reintegration.

The MCO also urged Member States to:

• Step up efforts to control small arms under the AU “Silencing the Guns” roadmap.
• Enhance collaboration on drug trafficking through shared intelligence and joint operations.
• Tackle vehicle and infrastructure theft through improved regional cooperation.
• Advance transitional justice to support post-conflict healing.

The Committee paid tribute to key regional figures recently deceased, including Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu, South Africa’s former Deputy President David Mabuza, Namibia’s Founding President Sam Nujoma, and Eswatini’s former Prime Minister Prince Mabandla Dlamini. It also mourned the loss of two senior SADC Secretariat staff.

Additionally, the MCO commended the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SADC and the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), recognizing its alignment with the UN-led process for Western Sahara’s self-determination.

As per Article 5 of the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, the MCO remains central to safeguarding peace and stability across Southern Africa. The outcomes of this meeting reaffirm the region’s strategic focus on collective action, inclusive dialogue, and sustainable security.