SADC, East African Community ministers meet over DRC

SADC and East African Community ministers are in Harare to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Senior officials, including Ambassador Albert Ranga Chimbindi and Brigadier General Edward Rugendo, welcomed delegates.

Following their arrival, the ministers held closed-door meetings to discuss their respective positions and strategies regarding the eastern DRC crisis.

These discussions are crucial as both regional blocs aim to present a united front during upcoming negotiations.

The ministers are now set to convene for a joint meeting. This session will focus on collaborative efforts to devise actionable plans for restoring peace and stability in eastern DRC.

Key topics on the agenda include the establishment of a technical coordination mechanism and the implementation of a joint roadmap for peace.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, is representing Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe’s leadership is expected to play a key role in guiding the dialogue towards effective resolutions.

Our crew is at the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden to ensure live coverage of this meeting.

Ministers, Chiefs of Defence engage in crucial discussions

SADC and East African Community Ministers have emerged from their closed-door meeting at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.

The ministers of the two blocs proceeded to pose for a group photo before taking seats ahead of the meeting.

There is an atmosphere of anticipation that the critical discussions regarding the eastern DRC crisis will yield a lasting resolution to the conflict.

Apart from the ministers, the Chiefs of Defence Forces from the countries meeting here are also present, thereby adding a significant military perspective to the discussions.

Zimbabwe is well-represented by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri; Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe; and Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi, among others.

Their participation underscores the importance of a coordinated response to the challenge at hand.

The national anthems are now being played, beginning with Zimbabwe’s anthem, thereby setting a patriotic tone for the proceedings.

This moment reflects the importance of unity and collaboration among the nations represented here.

Proceedings kick-off

SADC secretariat’s head of communication and public relations, Ms Barbara Lopi who is serving as the Director of Ceremonies, starts proceedings with the introduction of the co-chairs, thereby setting the stage for a productive meeting.

Prof Murwira calls for collaboration and dialogue

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira emphasised the need for collaboration and dialogue in addressing the challenges facing the two regions.

Prof Murwira called for peace and an end to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, urging all ministers in attendance to focus on achieving broader, lasting peace.

He said the true battle should be against poverty and deprivation, which can only be fought through knowledge and skills.

Reflecting on the conflict, he reminded delegates that the weapons causing destruction are not of the region’s making.

He warns that if responsible officials fail to act decisively, history will judge them harshly.

Minister Murwira stressed the importance of considering the needs of the millions who have been displaced by the conflict and urged the establishment of clear timelines for implementation.

SADC-EAC Meeting co-chair highlights impact of DRC crisis

Co-chairperson of the SADC-EAC Joint Ministerial Meeting, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Dr Musalia Mudavadi said the gathering presents an opportunity to refine the proposals put forth by the Heads of State.

Dr Mudavadi underscored the impact of the crisis on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.

He said according to the United Nations, over 700 000 individuals have been displaced so far due to the crisis.

Dr Mudavadi stressed the importance of achieving lasting peace and said the African Union (AU) and SADC need to collaborate in implementing the agreements reached.

He also commended the AU for endorsing their previous communiqué, reinforcing the collective commitment to resolving the challenges facing the region.