Lusaka, Zambia – Zambia, as chair of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) security arm, hosted a crucial meeting to discuss ongoing peacekeeping missions and regional security threats. The Extraordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) was led by Zambia’s Acting Foreign Minister, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe.
The gathering began with a moment of silence to honor recently deceased leaders: former Namibian President Hage Geingob, former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, and two South African soldiers who died serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The agenda focused on the progress of SADC’s peacekeeping deployments. Ministers were briefed on the status of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), established by the 43rd SADC Summit in August 2023. Financial resources for the mission were also a key discussion point.
Regarding the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), the meeting reviewed the ongoing drawdown process. The Organ Troika Summit last year authorized a one-year extension for SAMIM, with a focus on a phased withdrawal by July 2024. Ministers commended the mission’s successes in Cabo Delgado, emphasizing the importance of Mozambique maintaining progress after SAMIM’s departure.
Foreign Minister Haimbe stressed the importance of regional collaboration in safeguarding peace and security. He highlighted how a stable SADC is crucial for economic development and integration.
This ministerial meeting paves the way for a vital follow-up summit, scheduled for March 23rd, led by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. The upcoming summit will see the SADC Organ Troika and the SADC Troika Plus convene to discuss critical security issues facing the region.