Southern African officials gathered in Lusaka on Thursday for a critical two-day summit aimed at addressing conflict and political stability in the region.
The 26th meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation commenced with discussions centered on Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The summit reviewed recent peaceful elections in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Madagascar, expressing optimism for upcoming elections in Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana, and Namibia.
Zambia’s Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe praised the progress in political and security situations in Eastern DR Congo, Lesotho, and Mozambique.
Haimbe emphasized that peacebuilding is an ongoing process and commended the SADC Mission in DR Congo for addressing insecurity in the eastern region.
He also acknowledged the strides made by the SADC mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) in restoring peace in Cabo Delgado province.
SADC executive secretary Elias Magosi announced that SAMIM’s complete withdrawal from Mozambique is expected within the week.
Magosi assured that the exit would not create a security vacuum and highlighted the need for continued political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the DR Congo conflict.
He also urged enhanced efforts to combat transnational organized crimes in the region.
