Zambia Hosts Extraordinary SADC Meeting, Honoring Late Leaders and Reviewing Regional Security
The Government of the Republic of Zambia, as Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, convened the Extraordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) in Lusaka.
Presided over by Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, M.P, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the meeting aimed to address key regional security matters and review progress reports on SADC missions.
Hon. Haimbe commenced the session by observing a moment of silence in honor of late leaders, including His Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob, President of Namibia, and His Excellency Mr. Ali Hassan Mwinyi, former President of Tanzania.
Additionally, tribute was paid to two South African soldiers who passed away while deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the SADC Mission.
The meeting focused on updates regarding the deployment of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and the extension of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) mandate.
The SAMIM mandate was extended by twelve months, with a phased drawdown outlined for completion by July 15, 2024. Hon. Haimbe stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in Mozambique following SAMIM’s conclusion.
Emphasizing the significance of peace and security in regional integration and socio-economic development, Hon. Haimbe urged member states to collaborate in addressing threats to peace within the region.
The Organ aims to create an enabling environment for SADC regional cooperation and integration by fostering peace and security. The Ministerial meeting sets the stage for the Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Organ Troika Plus SADC Troika, to be held under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema on March 23, 2024.
