The Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit, Plus SADC Troika has closed with member states reiterating regional commitment in the SADC mutual defence pact that an armed attack against one shall be deemed a threat to regional peace and security.
According to a communique by SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, the summit re-affirmed SADC’s commitment to the ideals of solidarity, self-determination, and regional cooperation.
Mr Magosi added the Summit received updates on the peace and security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) and Mozambique, reinforcing regional support to the two Governments towards attaining lasting peace, stability and security.
He added that the Summit reiterated its unwavering commitment to provide both diplomatic and military support to the Government and people of the DRC to find lasting solutions to the violent conflict in Eastern DRC.
He further stated a regional pledge to intensify its public diplomacy on the role and successes of the SADC Peace Support Missions, including the SAMIM and SAMIDRC, to avoid negative external narratives that may compromise the success of the SADC Peace Support Missions.
And Mr Magosi said that Member States were commended for demonstrating the spirit of collective regional solidarity through their continued contribution and support to SAMIM and SAMIDRC.
“The Summit reiterated its support to the political and diplomatic processes namely, the Luanda Process, led by President of the Republic of Angola João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, and the African Union Champion for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa, and the Nairobi Process, led by former President of the Republic of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta,” Mr Magosi said.
He disclosed that the Summit disapproved of the contents of the correspondence from Rwanda to the United Nations and African Union Commission concerning support to SAMIDRC.
He said that gratitude was thus extended to the African Union Commission and the United Nations Security Council for the solidarity and support towards the SAMIDRC, which is a SADC regional response complementing other on-going diplomatic and political processes in support of the Government of the DRC.
And Mr Magosi reported President Hakainde Hichilema, as Chairperson of the SADC Organ, was commended for convening the Extraordinary Organ Summit and for his leadership in fostering regional cooperation towards attaining peace, security and stability in the SADC region.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema emphasized the importance of collaboration at global level with international and regional bodies to foster environmental peace, security and stability.
President Hichilema said that SADC wants a more stable region so that the limited resources available to humanity are availed more towards improving livelihoods in the region.
The President said that climate change is making the situation more difficult thereby stretching the resource envelope, and an addition of conflict in the region will worsen the situation.
He noted that member states should be holding summits to focus discussions on joint development ventures and investments.
“As Heads of State the dream is to see a region that is more secure, peaceful and stable and focuses efforts on cooperating on joint projects, trade and investment and contributing to food security,” President Hichilema stated.
He stated the agenda for the continent is mobilise capital at a fair price, bring in the best technology and partnerships that allow for joint ventures, focus more on beneficiation and value addition to help create jobs and grow economies.
He was speaking at the official closing of 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).
