President Hakainde Hichilema has called for continued collaboration among Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to ensure sustained peace and security in the region.
President Hichilema charged that it is the duty of all member states to work together in finding long lasting solutions to the areas experiencing instability.
ZANIS reports that the President was speaking when he officially opened the extraordinary Summit of the Organ Troika plus SADC Troika, contributing countries to the SADC mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and personnel contributing countries to the SADC mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
The Head of State indicated that insecurity situations persisting in the two countries has the potential to affect all countries in the region.
He therefore noted that the double troika is anchored around the peace, stability and security in the region, specifically in Cabo Delgado of northern Mozambique and Eastern DRC.
President Hichilema commended the attendance at the highest level of representation, noting that it underscores the importance and value attached to matters of insecurity, stability in individual countries, the region and continent as a whole.
He indicated that SADC envisions a region that provides a stable, secure and peaceful environment, important for economic and social development agenda.
“The meeting has been convened to objectively consider the security and humanitarian situation in Cabo Delgado of northern Mozambique and Eastern DRC,” President Hichilema stated.
He added that the meeting will build on the decisions of the extraordinary organ troika plus summit which was held last year on May 8th, in Namibia.
The President noted that members took a decision to deploy the SADC mission to DRC, in the same vein with Northern Mozambique.
He described the presence of the mission as a testament of the continued commitment of the organization SADC to ensure peace, security and stability in the region, continent and the world.
He also commended the host governments for their efforts that have seen citizens going about their normal livelihoods freely.
And President Hichilema acknowledged the need for SADC to continue spearheading efforts towards resource mobilization, including continued engagements with international community and partners.
Meanwhile, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi revealed that April 1st this year will mark SADC’s 44 years since the signing of the Lusaka declaration.
Mr Magosi explained that the many challenges that the founding fathers grappled with at the time of signing the declaration have evolved over time to become new challenges and opportunities of the modern year.
He stated that the region has also recorded remarkable successes in pursuit to create peace, security and political stability.
He further noted that the extraordinary Summit takes place on a special day that was set aside by the region as a Southern Africa Liberation Day, to recognize and pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives to create freedoms that many enjoy today.
Mr Magosi made a wish for the Day to be respected by all SADC citizens by putting their differences aside and celebrating the liberation day in unity.
He observed that while the region remains peaceful and stable, some parts still face security challenges which require continued collective responses.
