By Peter Chivhima
SADC member states have pledged continued support towards peace building initiatives in the region and fighting terrorism in the DRC and Mozambique.
The SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation met in Windhoek, Namibia this Wednesday to discuss the peace and security situation in the region.
SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi briefed the member states on the security situation in Mozambique and DRC amid consensus on fighting terrorism.
“SADC remains committed to finding lasting solutions to this security challenge, and continues to engage with the United Nations to enhance the operational capability of the Force Intervention Brigade, especially in ensuring that critical combat capabilities are available. In the same vein, we recognise other processes that are aimed at addressing the DRC security challenges, including efforts by the President of the Republic of Angola, His Excellency Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, as the African Union Champion for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa, and mediator designated to maintain the dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda,” he said.
Chairperson of the committee and Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Honourable Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah emphasised the need for unity of purpose.
“Experience shows that peace and security is the bedrock for sustainable development. Therefore, we must never lose sight of our common vision, Vision 2050, whose five-year implementation plans, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plans (RISDP) provide further guidance to achieve our collective aspiration. Our ambitious regional vision is inspired by the African Union Agenda 2063, which places greater importance to the Africa we want and solving African problems, through African solutions. As a region, we continue to be a very strong building block of the AU, so that we maintain our track record of being a peaceful and stable region that can then contribute to a stronger Africa,” he explained.
Zimbabwe’s delegation is being led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Fredrick Shava.
The SADC organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation is responsible for promoting peace and security in the region.
