President Hakainde Hichilema today attended the extraordinary virtual Southern African Development Community (SADC) Troika Summit of Heads of State and government.
The Summit deliberated on the appointment of the Special representative and Head of Mission of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).
The summit also reviewed the draft indicative budget for the SAMIDRC, whose mandate was extended by the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Harare, Zimbabwe under the stewardship of President Hichilema.
Speaking during the official opening, President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan who is also Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation said the Organ is committed to strengthening peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC.
She noted that Strengthening peace and security in the DRC is not the responsibility of one country but all member States.
Ms. Hassan also emphasised the need for the Organ to expedite the mobilisation of funds for the mission in DRC.
She further hailed the SADC region for upholding the principles of Democracy.
Ms. Hassan explained that the timely conducting of elections by four member Countries, among them Namibia demonstrates that member States respect democracy and good governance.
And in a statement issued to ZANIS, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe said Zambia remains firmly committed to collaborating with other Member States to foster peace, security and stability in the region.
He said this will allow for the attainment of SADC objectives of socio-economic development, poverty eradication and regional integration, in line with the SADC Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030.
He explained that the extended mandate of SAMIDRC will cover the period 15th December, 2024 to 14th December, 2025.
Meanwhile the Organ has appointed Major General Reubens Ngwenya of Malawi as Special representative and Head of Mission of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).
