Southern African Development Community (SADC) 27th meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Peace and Security began on Thursday last week at Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The meeting brought together ministers, senior officials and heads of defence and security organs from SADC member states to discuss progress in implementing key peace and security initiatives including the withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and efforts to address transnational crimes
Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of MCO, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo welcomed the delegates and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in promoting peace and security.
He said the Ministerial Committee marked the culmination of efforts by key Committees that support the Organ structure namely the Inter-State Politics and Diplomacy Committee, the Inter-State Defence and Security Committee, Public Security Sub-Committee, State Security Sub Committee to mention a few.
“As we reflect on the progress of the implementation of decisions of the 27th Ministerial Council, it is gratifying to note that 70 percent of the MCO decisions were implemented by the Secretariat and Member States. This without a doubt contributes to strengthening the overall efforts in consolidating our goal to achieve peace and stability in the region,” he said.
He mentioned that the period under review has been a significant test of their region’s commitment to democratic governance with four member states namely the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Botswana, the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Namibia successfully holding General Elections.
“It is encouraging to note that the region rose to the occasion with these elections facilitating democratic transitions and peaceful transfers of power. The SADC Electoral Observation Missions were successfully deployed to all four countries and observed that the electoral processes were largely conducted in a calm and orderly environment. Therefore, considering the above, I would like to take this opportunity to inform this meeting that the United Republic of Tanzania is scheduled to hold its general elections in October 2025,” he said.
In his remarks, SADC Executive Secretary Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi highlighted the region’s commitment to peace, stability and sound governance saying at the heart of SADC’s vision for regional integration and development lies their enduring commitment to the said three pillars.
He stated that in line with this vision, the meeting assessed progress in implementing key peace and security initiatives across the region and reaffirm their collective resolve to strengthen regional security, consolidate democratic institutions as well as enhance the resilience of their community.
He said in response to the crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), SADC deployed the SAMIDRC in December 2023, supporting the government of the DRC’s efforts to restore peace and security.
“To strengthen this mission, SADC partnered with the East African Community (EAC) during a joint summit held on February 08 this year in this very city, reaffirming regional solidarity and coordinated action. Subsequent summits in February and March endorsed the consolidation of the Luanda and Nairobi Processes and the appointment of a Pael of Facilitators to lead the integrated peace initiative,” he stressed.
Mr. Magosi noted that following developments on the ground, the Extraordinary Summit on March 13 approved the phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC which commenced on April 29 and is ending.
“We thank the troop contributing countries and the host country for working seamlessly to ensure the mission achieved its objectives and extend gratitude to all those Member States who ensured a sustained financial support to the mission. Despite the conclusion of this deployment, SADC’s commitment to the people of the DRC remains unwavering. Through sustained regional engagement and diplomacy, we remain united in the belief that the DRC, a nation of immense promise, can achieve lasting peace, inclusive development and restored dignity especially for its most vulnerable populations,” he added.
Moreover, he indicated that the closure of SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) on July 15, 2024, also marked a crucial time in their efforts to restore peace in Cabo Delgado Province in the face of rampant terrorism and violent extremism. He said this milestone underscores their region’s resolve to tackle complex security challenges through principled and coordinated action.
“From our peacekeeping experiences including SAMIM, SADC has drawn important lessons, especially the importance of Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD). Tackling root causes such as poverty, inequality, underdevelopment and marginalization is essential to prevent a return to uncertainty, instability and violence. Restoring livelihoods, promoting inclusive recovery, strengthening governance and showing care for the disadvantaged sections of our society are enabling keys to long-term peacebuilding,” he lamented.
He added that to advance this approach, the SADC Secretariat is finalizing its PCRD and Transitional Justice Framework, a strategic instrument that will support Member States emerging from various forms of conflict and help prevent cyclical instability.
SADC Executive Secretary said this year also marks the 25thanniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, a milestone in promoting women’s participation in peace and security.
Meanwhile the meeting aims to assess progress, reaffirm collective resolve and strengthen regional security, consolidating democratic institutions and enhancing community resilience.
Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane was among Ministers who attended the meeting.
Source : Lesotho News Agency (LENA) 28/7/2025
