Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter
LESOTHO has been appointed the incoming chair of the Southern African Development Community Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, completing the regional bloc’s Troika following the deferral of the matter at the August summit in Durban, South Africa.
The appointment was made at an extraordinary virtual summit yesterday, which President Mnangagwa also attended.
Mrs Treasure Mphanga was also appointed Deputy Executive Secretary responsible for Regional Integration.
Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane will represent his country as the incoming chair of the Organ, joining Eswatini’s King Mswati III, the current chairperson and Malawian President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, the outgoing chairperson.
In his contribution to the meeting, President Mnangagwa commended the outgoing Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Mrs Angele Makombo N’tumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo, for her contribution to the organisation and congratulated Mrs Mphanga on her appointment.
“Zimbabwe expresses profound appreciation to the outgoing Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Mrs Angele Makombo N’tumba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as she concludes her tenure,” said President Mnangagwa.
“We acknowledge her contribution to the work of our Organisation and wish her every success in her future endeavours.
“By the same token, congratulations are extended to Mrs Treasure Mphanga on her appointment as the Deputy Executive Secretary, Regional Integration. She is assured of my country’s full support as she assumes this important responsibility. We trust she will discharge her mandate with dedication and professionalism, towards the effective implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan.”
In his closing remarks, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the decisions taken at the summit were important in strengthening SADC’s institutional capacity and advancing regional integration, peace, security and development.
“We congratulate the incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ, and we extend warm congratulations to the Kingdom of Lesotho on its election as the incoming Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
“We reaffirm our support for the Organ in its essential responsibility of promoting peace, stability and democratic governance through our region,” said President Ramaphosa.
“At a time when parts of our region continue to experience political uncertainty, conflict, and humanitarian challenges, the work of the organ remains indispensable.
“Without peace and stability, our aspirations for economic integration, development, and shared prosperity cannot be fully realised. We are confident that Lesotho will make a valuable contribution to advancing the work of the organ and strengthening the foundations of peace and security in Southern Africa.”
President Ramaphosa also commended Angola for withdrawing its candidature, saying the move enabled the summit to conclude the outstanding matter.
In his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa said the leadership of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation was critical to the proper functioning of SADC, given the importance of peace and stability to economic development and regional integration.
“The second important matter before us concerns the leadership of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Peace, security and political stability are, as we all know, indispensable foundations for economic development and regional integration.
“Without peace, there can be no sustained investment; without stability there can be no lasting prosperity,” said President Ramaphosa.
He said the region had made significant progress in peacebuilding, resolving conflicts and strengthening cooperation in defence and security, although challenges remained in some member states.
“We should take pride in these achievements at the same time we recognise that a number of our member States continue to confront political and security challenges,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remained a major concern because of the continuing humanitarian suffering and displacement of civilians.
SADC Executive Secretary Dr Elias Magosi said the extraordinary summit had been convened to conclude the two outstanding matters.
He said the appointment of the incoming chairperson of the Organ had been deferred at the previous summit to allow further consultations among member states.
“I am pleased to report, Your Excellencies, that consultations have since been concluded and Council has accordingly made a recommendation for consideration and approval by the summit today.
“A current Organ Troika remains indispensable in advancing peace, security, stability, democracy and good governance in our region as it continues to provide an enabling environment for accelerated regional integration, sustainable and sustainable development,” said Dr Magosi.
He said the Troika was a key structure in advancing peace, security, stability, democracy and good governance in the region, while supporting SADC’s role in continental and international peace and security matters.
He said the selection of a suitable person to lead the Organ was important in sustaining the region’s record of cooperation on peace and security.
