Collective action key to tackling regional challenges

Debra Matabvu, Zimpapers Writer

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to a collective approach in tackling regional challenges, emphasising the importance of co-operation and solidarity among member states.

Speaking at State House last night following his participation in a virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, President Mnangagwa said the regional bloc remains united in its efforts to find lasting solutions to the issues confronting Southern Africa.

The Extraordinary Summit was convened in response to recent developments in Madagascar, where the military-led government announced its withdrawal from SADC. The decision was attributed to a renewed focus on nation-building, following political changes that saw former President Andry Rajoelina step down.

“This was a SADC meeting of all Heads of State, centred on our collective commitment to address the challenges facing our region. I am pleased that we are all in agreement on the approach to tackling these challenges,” said President Mnangagwa.

The virtual summit brought together representatives from 15 member states, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Madagascar, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia.

In his opening remarks, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa — who assumes the role of incoming SADC Chair — urged regional leaders to devise solutions that promote peace, stability, and prosperity.

“We gather today not merely, Your Excellencies and Your Majesty, to deliberate on the agenda before us, but to affirm our shared commitment to the peace, stability, and prosperity of our region.

“Since its inception, SADC has stood as a beacon of solidarity and a community founded on the values of unity, peace, mutual benefit, and sovereign equality.

“Our collective sense of regional solidarity is, in many ways, our strongest currency. At this moment, solidarity demands the courage to act decisively in defence of our long-standing regional aspirations,” he said.

President Ramaphosa noted that the people of Southern Africa continue to look to their leaders for guidance that will realise the vision of a peaceful, inclusive, and industrialised region by 2050. He added that the summit must serve as a platform for pragmatic reflection and solution-finding.

“This meeting must, therefore, serve as a platform to deeply reflect and collectively come up with pragmatic solutions to the challenges besetting our region. For these reasons, the issue on our agenda could not wait for the ordinary meetings of SADC institutions,” he said.

SADC Executive Secretary, Mr Elias Magosi, commended regional leaders for convening to address the crisis in Madagascar.

“Following recent developments, the Government of Madagascar formally notified SADC on 31 October 2025 of its decision to withdraw from its responsibilities as Chair of SADC, thereby creating a vacuum within the SADC-Troika leadership. This summit has therefore been convened to elect a new SADC Chair to serve for the remainder of Madagascar’s term, which is due to end in August 2026.

“This process will ensure that the SADC-Troika remains complete in accordance with our founding treaty — the SADC Treaty — and that our organisation continues to function seamlessly, while maintaining progress towards deeper regional integration, economic development, and peace and security,” he said.

Mr Magosi expressed confidence that the summit’s deliberations would reinforce SADC’s collective resolve to advance its regional integration and development agenda.

“It is yet another testament to the resilience of our community that we are able to find solutions to any situation placed before our leaders, with full confidence and trust in our ability to succeed. This level of unity is rare among organisations similar to ours.”

Madagascar’s withdrawal from the SADC Chairmanship was attributed to the country’s focus on national recovery and institutional reform following the emergence of new leadership. The decision affects the position Madagascar assumed on 17 August 2025, less than three months ago, during the 45th Summit of Heads of State and Government under former President Rajoelina.

Following a popular uprising led by Malagasy youths, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina was sworn in as President on 17 October. He stated that institutional reform, national cohesion, and lasting stability were central to his mandate.

Meanwhile, in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Extraordinary Summit, the bloc expressed its appreciation for Zimbabwe’s offer to host selected SADC meetings until August next year. The offer was extended by President Mnangagwa.