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CHAPTER
5

ACHIEVEMENTS IN PEACE AND SECURITY

Introduction
Peace and security are necessary preconditions for regional development as instability in
one Member State can have an impact on neighbouring countries and cause a setback for
regional integration. In recognition of this, issues of peace and security remain a top pri-
ority for SADC and are clearly articulated and demonstrated in the declarations, treaties
and protocols aimed at maintaining peace and preventing conflict in the region.
The overall goal of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation,
and the Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation
132 (SIPO), is to create a peaceful and stable political and security environment through which
the region will realise its objectives of socio-economic development, poverty eradication, and
regional integration. The strategic areas of focus for the Organ are the sectors for:
✦ Political;
✦ Defence;
✦ State Security;
✦ Public Security; and
✦ Police.

5.1 Historical Context
The SADC Declaration and Treaty that laid the foundation for the historic transformation
of SADC in 1992 defines the SADC Vision as that of a shared future in an environment
of peace, security and stability, regional cooperation and integration based on equity, mu-
tual benefit and solidarity.
In 1996, SADC launched the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation,
an institutional framework for coordinating policies and activities on politics, defence, and
security. However, the Organ operated without a legal framework and clear objectives until
SADC leaders approved the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on
14 August 2001.
This Protocol establishes the objectives of the Organ in promoting peace and se-
curity across Southern Africa, protecting the people of the region from instability due to
the breakdown of law and order, developing a common foreign policy throughout the re-
gion, and cooperating on matters related to security and defence. The Protocol specifies
the operating structure of the Organ as the Chairperson, Troika, and various committees,
and provides the responsibilities of these structures, as well as the systems of appointment
and procedures for operation. The Protocol provides guidelines for the Organ’s jurisdic-
tion, methods and procedures, and relationship with international agreements and extra-
SADC nations.