Zambia’s Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, chaired a virtual meeting of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Inter-State Politics and Diplomacy Committee (ISPDC) today.
The opening session began with condolences offered to South Africa and Tanzania for the recent passing of two soldiers deployed with the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC). Sergeant Mbulelo David Ngubane and Corporal Mussa Idrisa Mkama died on May 30th, 2024, while serving in the line of duty.
Gundersen also acknowledged the successful unveiling of a statue honoring Tanzania’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, at the African Union Commission headquarters in February 2024. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, current Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, led the ceremony with support from other regional leaders.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted significant achievements in consolidating regional peace and democracy. SADC Electoral Observation Missions were successfully deployed to monitor elections in South Africa and Madagascar, both held on May 29th, 2024. Gundersen expressed gratitude to member states for contributing observers to these missions, led by Zambia as Chair. Enock Kavindele, former Zambian Vice President, headed the mission to South Africa, while retired Supreme Court Judge Florence Mumba led the team in Madagascar. The high participation by member states, Gundersen noted, demonstrates the region’s commitment to strengthening democratic values.
Praising both South Africa and Madagascar for conducting peaceful elections, Gundersen expressed hope that the ISPDC meeting would provide a platform to discuss critical issues concerning regional peace, security, and democratic consolidation.
