Luanda, Angola – President Hage Geingob of Namibia has handed over the chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (OPDSC) to President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia.
The handover ceremony took place on August 17, 2023, at the 43rd SADC Ordinary Summit in Luanda.
In his remarks, President Geingob expressed his gratitude to the Heads of State and Government for their support on the important work of the Organ. He also confirmed that Namibia will diligently continue its role as the Outgoing Chair in the upcoming year.
President Hichilema thanked President Geingob for his leadership and commitment to peace and security in the region. He also pledged to work closely with all SADC member states to promote peace and security in the region.
Article 4 of the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, places on the Chairperson the responsibility for the overall policy direction and achievement of the objectives of the Organ in promoting peace and security in the SADC region, in consultation with the SADC Troika.
The SADC Organ is responsible for promoting peace and security in the SADC region. It has a mandate to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts; promote democracy and good governance; and build the capacity of member states to deal with security challenges.
The Organ is composed of the Heads of State and Government of SADC member states, the Troika of the Organ, and the Ministerial Committee of the Organ. The Troika is composed of the current Chairperson, the immediate past Chairperson, and the incoming Chairperson of the Organ. The Ministerial Committee is composed of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and/or Defense of SADC member states.
