17 Aug 2021

Robust cooperation among SADC member states is important to the realisation of regional ideals of peace, security and democracy, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

Officially closing the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security troika meeting in Lilongwe, Malawi Monday, Dr Masisi said regional unity of purpose was vital.

“Reflecting on some of the decisions we have made from August last year up to this session, it is clear that strong cooperation among us in the area of politics, defence and security is paramount in our efforts towards achieving peace and sustainable development in our region,” Dr Masisi said.

He also said inclusive development would assist in addressing the root cause of terrorism and expressed the belief that the 2020-2030 Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan would provide a “concrete roadmap in that regard”.

Dr Masisi said the troika had received a report on various challenges faced by the region and necessary measures for addressing them.

“We therefore endorsed the Costed Action Plan for the implementation of the Report on the Assessment Of Security Threat to the SADC Region,” Dr Masisi said.

The meeting also received an update on the deployment of the SADC Standby Force in Mozambique.

Dr Masisi reaffirmed the regional body‘s commitment to work closely with other partners to ensure urgent containment of the security situation in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado region.

He noted “with satisfaction” the agreement reached between Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and UN regarding reconfiguration of the Force Intervention Brigade as well as the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).

Yet another update presented was the Report on the Comprehensive Reform Process in Lesotho tabled by process facilitator, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Noting considerable progress in the implementation of SADC decisions in Lesotho, President Masisi encouraged the country to continue prioritising the reform agenda.

“On the political front, it is encouraging to note that our region continues to make significant progress towards the consolidation of democratic ideals. This is particularly evidenced by the commitment by member states to continue to honour their constitutional obligations, especially in conducting regular elections,” Dr Masisi said. 

 

President Masisi, who will continue participating in the troika as outgoing chair for another year, yesterday handed over the organ’s chairmanship to President Ramaphosa. ENDS