SANF 20 no 30 – by Kizito Sikuka
Political unity and solidarity among SADC Member States is key to advancing regional integration and sustainable development.
This was said by the Incoming Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers, Verónica Dlhovo ahead of the 40th SADC Summit scheduled to be held virtually on 17 August from Maputo, Mozambique.
Dlhovo, who is the Mozambican Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation said sustainable development and stability are intertwined hence it is important for Member States to develop a common political agenda to advance integration in SADC.
She said the emergence of some acts of insurgency in some parts of the region as well as the advert of natural disasters such as drought, cyclones and floods called for a more coordinated approached by SADC to address these challenges.
“Regional security remains a concern SADC,” Dlhovo said in a speech delivered in Portuguese, adding that “in effect, our region faces a threat of a fluid nature in the form of terrorism and violent extremism; that if it is not contained, raises the possibility of spreading region.”
“For this reason, we prioritize an approach coordinated and collective action in the treatment this phenomenon, because we believe there is a symbiotic relationship between security and sustainable development of our region.”
She said it is for this reason that SADC under the chair of Mozambique had come up with the theme of “SADC: 40 Years Building Peace and Security, Promoting Development and Resilience to face global challenges” in recognition of various vulnerabilities and risks that SADC faces in its integration agenda.
“The motto also values SADC efforts in addressing challenges in different areas, particularly in the sphere of prevention, management and conflict resolution and in the field of infrastructure investment with a view to accelerate connectivity and increased exchanges commercial.
“In this context, it is relevant find ways to establish mechanisms operationalization of the strategy and the preparedness and response to natural disasters in region.”
She said unity in number is critical as no country has progressed without the help of others.
In fact, Dlhovo said SADC should always strive to maintain and strengthen its strong solidarity that is a source of inspiration for many.
“I will like to highlight the importance the spirit of solidarity that always characterized our region in addressing the main challenges that we face in efforts for economic and social well-being of our peoples.”
She said as Mozambique takes over the chair of SADC, the country will uphold the ideals of the region, and despite the challenges posed by the novel coronavirus, Mozambique will strive to promote deepen integration among Member States.
“Our country takes on this mission at a time critical for the region due to the prevalence of Covid-19 pandemic, the impact of which affects adversely affect our ability to execute and implementation of the noble objectives of our organization.
“Despite this reality, we would like to reiterate our commitment to do everything to our reach so that the implementation of SADC agenda for development economic and social development of the peoples of the region, success,” she said.
Outgoing SADC Council chair, Prof. Palamagamba John Kabudi concurred, COVID-19 which has been described as the most serious health emergency in generations by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not only disrupted the implementation of various regional activities and projects, but also caused the loss of lives.
“Despite some signs of easing, the magnitude, complexity and severity of the pandemic has been unprecedented,” Kabudi, who is also the United Republic of Tanzania Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation said, adding that “through our collective resolve, the region will win the fight against COVID-19.”
SADC Executive Secretary, Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax said despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the region continued to register some positive achievements.
These achievements include the signing of the Protocol on Industry by 12 Member States, following its approval by Summit in August 2019.
The protocol is a binding instrument that gives legal effect to the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap and seeks to ensure adequate coordination, monitoring and evaluation of implementation.
Another achievement is the commissioning of a total of 3,595 megawatts (MW) of new electricity to the regional grid.
SADC developed Guidelines on Movement of Goods and Services across the region during COVID-19, and Standard Operating Procedures.
The guidelines and the Standard Operating Procedures have greatly facilitated movement of essential goods, and gradually movement of all goods and services.
On the political front, the region remained peaceful and a total of five Member States — Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique and Namibia held elections — while the Kingdom of Lesotho witnessed a smooth transfer of power.
“As demonstrated by the foregoing achievements, COVID-19 has among others, taught us that we can deliver even under challenging circumstances, as long as we remain vigilant, put in place the needed measures, and establish an environment that will enable us to mitigate the risks and address the challenges,” Dr Tax said.
The 40th SADC Summit will see Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi assuming the rotating SADC chair from President John Magufuli of Tanzania.
With respect to the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana will assume the chairmanship from President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe. sardc.net
