DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi has praised the Southern Africa regional body’s transformation from being a mere liberation bloc to one that advances regional integration, peace, stability, sustainable development and a shared propsperity.
His Majesty King Mswati III is attending the Summit and has assumed the leadership of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation from Malawi, whilst President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa of South Africa has taken over as Chairman of SADC.
Magosi was speaking when making his remarks at the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government under the theme: “Resilient, sustainable, and inclusive industrialisation through infrastructure development, agricultural and critical minerals transformation in pursuit of a just world,” held at the Durban ICC.
“From its beginnings as a movement for regional cooperation and liberation, SADC has evolved from a liberation focused cooperation into one of Africa’s most dynamic and resilient regional communities. Today, our region is home to approximately 382 million people and a combined Gross Domestic Product exceeding US$847 billion. These achievements are a testament to the transformative power of unity, of partnership, and of collective action,” he said.
Magosi said for over four decades, SADC has demonstrated the enduring value of regional cooperation in promoting peace and security, expanding trade and investment, strengthening infrastructure connectivity, deepening regional integration, and improving the lives of our citizens.
“We pay tribute to the founding leaders whose courage, foresight, and commitment to regional solidarity laid the foundations of our Community. Their legacy continues to inspire our efforts as we work together to build a stronger, more integrated, peaceful, and prosperous Southern Africa. I believe that ours is to sustain this legacy, if not to enrich it as we carve new and progressive chapters in pursuit of a shared prosperity,” the Executive Secretary said.
He said these achievements are a testament to the transformative power of unity, of partnership, and of collective action.
“Our progress has been made possible by a foundation that remains indispensable: peace and stability. The relative peace and stability enjoyed across our region reflect the commitment of Member States to choose dialogue, diplomacy, democratic governance, conflict prevention, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. These are rare attributes in most parts of our continent and should be guarded jealously to sustain the peace we enjoy today,” he said.
Magosi said during the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on Monday they reviewed political and security developments across the region, including the situations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republics of Madagascar and Mozambique.
He said this reaffirmed their shared responsibility to safeguard peace, security, and stability as essential prerequisites for sustainable development and regional integration.
The Executive Secretary said the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains a matter of concern.
“We welcome the progress reported through diplomatic engagement and African-led peace initiatives. We trust that these initiatives bear fruits of peace, coexistence, social harmony and economic progress, rather than reverse the gains already achieved by previous interventions.
“SADC remains steadfast in its solidarity with the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and reaffirms its commitment to supporting efforts to restore peace, protect civilians, and create conditions conducive to sustainable development,” he said.
Magosi further extended the region’s solidarity with the government of DRC as they contend with the Ebola outbreak, which has claimed over 2000 lives and infected about 5000 Congolese.
“This outbreak, however, is a stark reminder of the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in health security, disease surveillance, preparedness, and coordinated and swift response. SADC remains committed to supporting Member States in building resilient health systems capable of effectively addressing current and emerging public health challenges,” he said.
Magosi further stated that they were encouraged by the positive dialogue taking place in the Republic of Madagascar through the efforts of the SADC Secretariat, the Mediation Reference Group, and the Panel of Elders. Such efforts continue to strengthen trust, consensus-building, and inclusive governance.
Discussion about this post