Lusaka, Zambia – Senior officials from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened yesterday in Lusaka, Zambia, to prepare for the upcoming Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. The MCO meeting is scheduled for July 11th-12th at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
The gathering began with a moment of silence led by Chairperson Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary of Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This somber tribute honored the late Malawian Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, former First Lady Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, and others who perished in a plane crash on June 10th, 2024. Additionally, Malawian soldiers who died while serving in the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) were remembered.
Ms. Gundersen emphasized the importance of the Senior Officials’ meeting. Discussions will focus on the current security situation in the region, emerging threats, and formulating recommendations for the upcoming Ministerial Committee. Notably, the meeting will take stock of past decisions made by SADC summits, councils, and the MCO. This includes reviewing budgets for implementing and extending the SADC Founders’ Mechanism, alongside other pending projects.
While acknowledging the relative peace and stability within SADC, Ms. Gundersen highlighted the ongoing threat posed by negative forces in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This situation remains a major concern for SADC member states and the wider African continent. She urged member states to work together and enhance support for SAMIDRC in its pursuit of lasting peace in the DRC.
Beyond immediate security threats, Ms. Gundersen also called on member states to address other emerging challenges within the region. These include the persistent energy crisis and drought, which, if left unchecked, could potentially escalate into conflicts. She stressed the importance of finding lasting solutions internally before seeking further external assistance.
The Senior Officials’ Meeting is scheduled to conclude today, July 9th, paving the way for the high-level Ministerial Committee meeting in the coming days.
