His Majesty King Mswati III and the kingdom’s role in the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation has been praised by the outgoing chair.
At the close of the SADC Organ Troika Summit held at the King Albert Luthuli Durban ICC yesterday, Malawi 2nd Vice President Enock Kanzingeni Chihana expressed their gratitude to the Kingdom of Eswatini for the close cooperation and collaboration during their Chairship of the Organ.
“As incoming chair, Eswatini was more than ready to step in and serve as chair whenever the situation warranted so. I recall that barely a month after joining the Troika as incoming chair, Malawi had general elections. United Republic of Tanzania outgoing chair was also preparing for general elections. Eswatini willingly stepped in to shoulder the responsibility of heading SADC Elections Observations Mission (SEOM) in Malawi, a task which was meticulously delivered,” he said.
The vice president further said the kingdom was also able to deploy to subsequent missions in Tanzania and Seychelles.
He thanked the delegations for their valuable contributions, constructive engagement and steadfast commitment to the ideals of SADC.
“Today’s deliberations have demonstrated our collective resolve to address regional challenges through dialogue, cooperation and mutual solidarity.
“The frank and insightful exchanges we have just held reaffirm SADC’s enduring commitment to promoting peace, security, democratic governance and stability across our region,” he said.
The vice president said the recommendations adopted during the meeting will provide strategic guidance to SADC in pursuit of peace and security and entrenchment of a culture of democracy and people centred governance.
“I am confident that they reflect our shared determination to strengthen peace, security, constitutional order and stability throughout the region. As we depart from this meeting, let us remain united in purpose and steadfast in our commitment to implementing the decisions we have taken.
Together, we can continue to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Southern African Community for the benefit of our peoples,” Chihana said.
He thanked Tanzania who had served for three consecutive years in the Organ Troika Membership which included chairing the Organ from 2024 to 2025.
He said Tanzania served the region very well with dedication at a time when the region experienced intense activities and also challenges emanating from the situation in Mozambique and eastern DRC.
“The country also led crucial SADC Electoral Observation Missions (SEOMs) to various elections in our region.”
Chihana also thanked the SADC Secretariat for its excellent technical and administrative support rendered during this meeting and the entire duration of their Chairship of the Troika.
“We also commend the Republic of South Africa for the excellent facilities at our disposal which have created a conducive environment for successful holding of our meetings here in Durban,” he said.
The outgoing chair did not leave without pleading for Malawi’s support and blessings at last night finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) which took place in Rabat, Morocco.
“Our girls and your girls the Scorchers are determined to bring the cup home to the warm heart of Africa to SADC,” he said.
SADC TROIKA REVIEWS SECURITY, POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
The SADC Organ Troika Summit reviewed critical regional security and political developments to present key recommendations to the main SADC Summit.
Among the issues addressed were the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and noted the formal military and technical withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). It also discussed the Madagascar political situation and interventions thus far. Regarding Mozambique, leaders acknowledged stabilised security in Cabo Delgado and noted the host country’s request to reconsider deploying the Panel of Elders due to its active, self-led inclusive national dialogue. Other issues deliberated include the elections in Malawi and Seychelles and post election violence in Tanzania, making recommendations on improved implementation of electoral observer mission recommendations.
In addition the TROIKA is expected to brief summit on new leadership appointments for the Electoral Advisory Council and Mediation Reference Group, the inclusion of former presidents on the Panel of Elders, endorse a new Framework on Common Foreign Policy Positions and brief on progress on establishing a permanent SADC liaison office in Madagascar.
