-Zambia is set to host the Extraordinary Summit of the Organ on Troika plus SADC Troika on March 23rd 2024, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, in Lusaka.
According to acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe, the primary focus of the summit will be on addressing peace and security concerns in the SADC region.
Mr Haimbe explained the meeting will focus particular attention on the situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cabo Delgado in northern Mozambique.
He stated that the meeting will include troop contributing countries to the SADC mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC), Personnel Contributing Countries to the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Mozambique.
The Minister said that the Summit is expected to receive updates on the progress of SADC missions namely, SAMIDRC and SAMIM, deployed to support the Governments of DRC and Mozambique efforts in restoring peace, security, and stability to pave the way for sustainable development.
Mr Haimbe said that President Hakainde Hichilema, in his capacity as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, will preside over the Summit.
“The Summit will bring together Heads of States and Government from Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the Kingdom of Lesotho and Tanzania,” Mr Haimbe stated.
He further stated that the extraordinary SADC summit will be preceded by the Extraordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) and the meeting of the Senior Officials of the MCO on March 22nd 2024.
The Minister explained the importance of the meetings present as an opportunity for the region’s leaders to deliberate on matters crucial to our peace, security, and stability, further reinforcing an agenda for greater integration and development.
He said that Zambia remains resolute to playing a crucial role in promoting peace and security, not only in the SADC Region but the continent as a whole.
“These efforts are prerequisites for the attainment of our development and shared aspirations for prosperity,” he said.
The Extraordinary Meetings of the Interstate Defence and Security commenced on March 17th and will conclude on March 20th, 2024.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Etambuyu Anamela explained why the meeting is being referred to as a double troika summit.
Ms Anamela said this is because it will include Zambia as current chair of the troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Tanzania as the incoming chair and Namibia as the outgoing chair.
She added that the SADC troika consist of Angola, the current chair,DRC outgoing and the incoming chair, Zimbabwe.
