Lusaka, Zambia – February 11, 2024 – Zambia, currently chairing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, convened a virtual meeting of senior officials on Friday.
The gathering, led by Zambian Foreign Ministry official Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, paid respects to the late Namibian President Hage G. Geingob before delving into regional matters.
Gundersen reiterated Zambia’s commitment to regional governance, emphasizing SADC’s principles of solidarity, cooperation, and integration. She highlighted the meeting’s aim to review progress on decisions made by the Ministerial Committee, Council of Ministers, and SADC Summits.
Key discussions focused on strategic direction for regional politics, diplomacy, and democracy. Additionally, SADC policy instruments were reviewed to enhance the bloc’s conflict resolution and democratic consolidation capabilities.
Gundersen also expressed appreciation for the upcoming unveiling of a statue honoring Tanzanian founding president Julius Nyerere at the African Union headquarters. She called this a fitting tribute to all SADC founders and their contributions to the regional body.