Southern African leaders have reaffirmed commitments to peace, security, constitutional order and democratic governance as Eswatini assumes leadership of SADC’s regional security cooperation structure.
Malawi handed over the chairship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation to the Kingdom of Eswatini following the Organ Troika Summit in Durban.
Closing the meeting, Malawi’s Second Vice President, Right Honourable Enoch Kanzingeni Chihana, said the recommendations adopted by member states would provide strategic direction for addressing regional peace and security priorities.
“The recommendations adopted during this meeting will provide strategic guidance to our region in pursuit of peace and security, entrenchment of a culture of democracy and people centred governance,” Chihana said.
“I am confident that they reflect our shared determination to strengthen peace, security, constitutional order, and stability throughout the region.”
Chihana called on member states to translate decisions taken at the summit into action and maintain cooperation across the regional bloc.
“As we depart from this meeting, let us remain united in purpose and steadfast in our commitment to implementing the decisions we have taken,” he said.
“Together, we can continue to build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Southern African Community for the benefit of our peoples.”
Eswatini takes over the Organ after previously supporting SADC’s regional electoral processes.
Chihana highlighted Eswatini’s role in leading a SADC Electoral Observation Mission to Malawi following the country’s General Elections.
Malawi had joined the Troika as incoming chair while preparing for its elections, while Tanzania, then the outgoing chair, was also approaching elections.
Eswatini subsequently assumed responsibility for the mission to Malawi and was involved in subsequent missions in Tanzania and Seychelles.
“Eswatini willingly stepped in to shoulder the responsibility of heading SEOM in Malawi, a task which was meticulously delivered,” Chihana said.
“We are, therefore, confident that we are leaving the mantle in good and tested hands as the Kingdom assumes the Chairship of the Organ Troika.”
Chihana also recognised Tanzania’s contribution during its three-year period as a Troika member, including its chairship from 2024 to 2025.
He said Tanzania served during a period in which SADC was responding to significant regional security challenges, including developments in Mozambique and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tanzania also played a role in leading SADC Electoral Observation Missions across the region.
The leadership transition comes as SADC continues to use regional cooperation, dialogue and electoral observation as part of its approach to political stability and security.
“Today’s deliberations have demonstrated our collective resolve to address regional challenges through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual solidarity,” Chihana said.
He added that discussions had reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to promoting peace, security, democratic governance and stability across Southern Africa.
Chihana thanked the SADC Secretariat for its technical and administrative support and acknowledged South Africa for hosting the meetings in Durban.
With Malawi concluding its tenure, Eswatini now assumes responsibility for chairing the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and guiding its regional agenda.
With Eswatini now chairing the SADC Organ, the transition places greater emphasis on how the new chair’s electoral-observation experience may shape its regional peace and security priorities in the coming period.
