SADC Gathers for Extraordinary Summit to Address Regional Security Concerns

On the 23rd of March 2024, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene an Extraordinary Summit in Lusaka, Republic of Zambia, bringing together a host of key stakeholders to address pressing security challenges facing the region.

Chaired by His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, the summit will focus on the security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Cabo Delgado in northern Mozambique.

The Summit will feature discussions on the progress of SADC missions, namely the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC) and the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).

These missions were deployed to support the respective governments of the DRC and Mozambique in restoring peace, security, and stability to pave the way for sustainable development in the region.

Participating in the Summit will be representatives from Troop Contributing Countries to SAMIDRC, including Malawi, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania, as well as Personnel Contributing Countries to SAMIM, such as Angola, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, among others. Additionally, the Republic of the Congo and Mozambique will be actively involved in the discussions.

Preceding the Extraordinary Summit, a series of meetings will take place, including an Extraordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) and the Senior Officials of the MCO on March 22nd, and an Extraordinary Meeting of the Interstate Defence and Security Sub-Committee (ISDSC) on March 21st.

SADC, established in 1980 and later transformed into the Southern African Development Community in 1992, aims to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development across its 16 Member States.

Through deeper cooperation, integration, good governance, and durable peace and security, SADC strives to position the region as a competitive player in international relations and the global economy.

For media inquiries regarding the SADC Secretariat or the Government of the Republic of Zambia, contact:

SADC Secretariat:

• Ms. Barbara Lopi, Head of Communication and Public Relations: blopi@sadc.int
• Mr. Innocent Mbvundula, Communications and Relations Officer (External): imbvundula@sadc.int, with a copy to prinfo@sadc.int

Government of the Republic of Zambia:

• Mrs. Loyce Saili, Director of Information, Zambia National Information Services: loyce.saili@zanis.gov.zm, +260 966 922 425
• Ms. Chansa Kabwela, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Zambia: chansa.kabwela@mofaic.gov.zm, +260 211 252 666

Additional source: SADC Secretariat