SADC Elders Demand Better Funding and Early Warning Systems to Secure Regional Peace
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Panel of Elders and its Mediation Reference Group (MRG) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mediation, conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy across the region.
This follows a joint statutory meeting held on 11 April 2026 in Johannesburg, which was preceded by a two-day preparatory session of MRG members.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures including Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Chairperson of the Panel of Elders, alongside Joyce Banda and Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory.
In his remarks, Dr Kikwete stressed the need to strengthen SADC’s early warning systems amid an increasingly complex regional and global security landscape. He further called for sustainable financial support to enhance the operationalisation of the bloc’s mediation and conflict prevention structures.
Meanwhile, Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs at the SADC Secretariat, Kula Ishmael Theletsane, noted that while the region remains largely peaceful, isolated security challenges persist, requiring coordinated regional responses and timely interventions.
The meeting endorsed a revised SADC Mediation, Conflict Prevention and Preventive Diplomacy Framework, which will be submitted for consideration at upcoming meetings of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ and the Council of Ministers scheduled for July and August 2026.
Dr Banda also presented progress on the SADC-led mediation process in Madagascar, where efforts are underway to restore political stability, constitutional order and democratic governance. Her leadership in advancing the regional mandate was widely commended.
Further contributions were made by Vasu Gounden, who highlighted key principles for effective conflict resolution, drawing from the work of the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes.
The meeting also saw leadership changes within the MRG, with Joel George Martins elected as Chairperson and Mpeo Mahase-Moiloa as Vice Chairperson. Outgoing leaders, including Lucy Mungoma and Helen Lwegasila Brahim, were commended for their service.
SADC officials reiterated the importance of continued monitoring of political and security developments to ensure lasting solutions to both inter-state and intra-state conflicts.
Established in 2004, the SADC Panel of Elders plays a critical role in promoting peace and stability through mediation and preventive diplomacy, drawing on the expertise of eminent former leaders from across the region.
