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HARARE – Leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region gathered in Harare, Zimbabwe, for the 44th Executive Summit.
The summit was chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was elected as the new Chairman of the Southern African Development Community, and brought together heads of state and government representatives to discuss pressing issues such as regional cooperation, economic growth and security.
In his opening remarks, President Mnangagwa expressed his gratitude, saying: “I am honoured to lead SADC at this critical time and, through our joint efforts, to advance regional integration and economic development.”
The summit also elected Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina as the new chairman and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the chairman of the Political, Defense and Security Cooperation Agency. President Suluhu Hassan said: “We will continue to promote peace and security throughout the region and ensure that stability is the foundation of our development efforts.” Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera was appointed as the new chairman.
Main resolutions
Committed to regional cooperation: Namibian President Ngolo Mbemba’s maiden speech was well received, underscoring his commitment to promoting regional cooperation and economic growth. “Namibia remains committed to working closely with our SADC neighbours to realise the region’s full potential,” President Mbemba declared.
Peace and Security: The outgoing chair of the body, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, was praised for his leadership in promoting regional peace. “SADC’s commitment to peace and security remains unwavering and we will continue to work towards stability across the region,” Hichilema stressed.
Mozambique mission ends: The summit officially concluded the mandate of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), praising the member states for their contribution to peace efforts in Cabo Delgado province. The Mozambican government was praised for its support for the SAMIM operation, with President Mnangagwa noting: “We will ensure that the peace gains in Cabo Delgado province are maintained.”
Support for DRC: The summit also reaffirmed support for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and recognized Angola’s role in the Luanda Process. “Angola has played an important role in seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and we support their efforts to bring lasting peace to the region,” Mnangagwa said.
Political Development
The summit recognized the progress of political reforms in Lesotho and urged the country to expedite constitutional amendments. It also praised peaceful elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Swaziland, Madagascar, South Africa and Zimbabwe, and noted upcoming elections in Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Mauritius.
Economic and social initiatives
The theme of the 44th SADC Summit is “Promoting Innovation to Create Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialized SADC”. Innovation is considered key to driving industrialization in sectors such as manufacturing, mineral processing and agro-processing. Zimbabwe was praised for hosting the 7th SADC Industrialization Week.
The summit further confirmed the implementation of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFCA) agreement, which will open the door to a market of 700 million people in 26 countries. President Mnangagwa noted: “This is a milestone that provides new economic opportunities for the vast market of SADC member countries.”
Health and humanitarian issues
The summit adopted the SADC Declaration on the Protection of Persons with Albinism and discussed health issues, urging a stronger response to albinism. A SADC spokesperson said: “Member States must strengthen disease surveillance to ensure we are prepared for emerging health threats.”
Finally, the summit expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and called for an immediate ceasefire and a resolution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The next SADC summit will be hosted by Madagascar in 2025.
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