Harare, Zimbabwe – Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, has sounded the alarm over escalating security challenges facing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region as he prepares to relinquish his role as chair of the Organ Troika.
Haimbe is leading the Zambian delegation to a crucial Organ Troika Ministerial Committee meeting in Harare today, where he will hand over the reins to Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
The meeting is focused on addressing the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique, as well as bolstering democratic processes within the region.
In his opening remarks, Haimbe emphasized the importance of collective action to counter growing threats like terrorism and violent extremism. He praised progress made in Lesotho’s political landscape but stressed the need for continued vigilance in Mozambique following the conclusion of the SADC Mission (SAMIM).
Haimbe expressed deep concern over the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in the DRC, which has led to attacks on displaced persons camps. He acknowledged ongoing diplomatic efforts through the Luanda process to ease tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.
The Zambian minister also highlighted the region’s commitment to democratic principles, as evidenced by the deployment of SADC Electoral Observation Missions to upcoming elections in Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, and Mauritius.
As his tenure as SADC Troika chair draws to a close, Haimbe expressed gratitude to member states for their support and collaboration.
The Organ Troika Summit of Heads of State and Government is scheduled to take place later today.
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