Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, in his capacity as SADC Chair on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, paid a one-day working visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho on November 2, 2023. He was accompanied by SADC Panel of Elders Oversight Committee Chair and fourth President of United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete.
President Hichilema had a fruitful conversation with His Majesty King Motlotlehi Letsie III on advancing peace and stability in the SADC region. The two leaders also discussed the agreed position by the Organ Troika Summit of Heads of State and Government convened on August 16, 2023, in Luanda, Angola, to hold consultative discussions with the SADC panel of Elders.
President Hichilema also met with Lesotho Prime Minister Rt Hon. Samuel Matekane and President of the Lesotho Senate. He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to maintaining engagements at all levels with SADC member states during his Chairmanship of the SADC Organ Troika.
President Hichilema and Dr. Kikwete also held consultative meetings with other stakeholders in Lesotho to discuss peace and security issues.
The SADC Organ Troika is a three-member body of the SADC that is responsible for security and conflict resolution in the region. The current members of the Organ Troika are Zambia, Botswana, and Malawi.
Hichilema has said that he wants to use his Chairmanship of the SADC Organ Troika to help resolve these conflicts and promote peace and stability in the region.
