16 Aug 2022

Botswana has done all the spadework in preparation for the 42nd SADC heads of state and government summit which opens here today.

 “In ensuring our readiness and meaningful contribution to the summit, Botswana recently signed four  legal instruments,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape in an interview.

He said the  instruments  pertained to protocols on statistics, energy, firearms, ammunition and related materials as well as status of SADC Standby Force with regard to training, peace support operations, exercises and humanitarian assistance.

Dr  Kwape said Botswana’s head of delegation, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, was therefore fully prepared  to take part in the summit deliberations.

“The  vice president is expected to positively contribute in the review of progress on regional integration in line with SADC’s aspirations as outlined in the RISDP (Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan) 2020-2030 and Vision 2050,” said the minister.

He explained that both the strategy and the vision envisaged a peaceful, inclusive, competitive, middle to high income industrialised region.

Dr Kwape said by virtue of Botswana being the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation outgoing chair,  the vice president’s engagements would include participation in the organ’s troika sessions.

He said Botswana played a  profound role in promoting peace and stability regionally particularly in the deployment  of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).

Botswana was instrumental in facilitating the regional response to support Mozambique in combating terrorism and acts of violent extremism and restoring law and order in the country’s Cabo Delgado Province, said the minister.

Since its deployment, he said, SAMIM had registered a number of milestones including recapturing villages, dislodging terrorists from their bases and seizing weapons and warfare material.

 Dr Kwape said the achievements had contributed to creating a relatively secure environment for safe passage of humanitarian support.

The summit is held under the theme; Promoting industrialisation through, agro-processing, mineral beneficiation and regional value chains for inclusive and resilient economic growth. 

The theme is aimed at strengthening implementation of the RISDP which seeks to deepen regional integration and foster development.

During the summit, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi will take over the SADC chairmanship from Dr Lazarus  Chakwera of Malawi. Ends