South African Development Community Inter-State Politics and Diplomacy Committee (ISPDC) of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO), comprising of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s met in Maputo, Mozambique on 7 January 2010 to consider the candidature of the African Union (AU) chairpersonship and the regional political and security situation.
The ISPDC was attended by the following Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation or their representatives:
* Angola: Honourable Assuncao dos Anjos
* Botswana: Honourable Phandu TC Skelemani
* Democratic Republic of Congo: Honourable Alexis Thambwe Mwamba
* Lesotho: Honourable Mohlabi Kenneth Tsekoa
* Malawi: Honourable Eta Banda
* Namibia: Honourable Mraco Hausiku
* Mozambique: Honourable Oldemiro Baloi
* South Africa: Honourable Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
* Swaziland: Honourable Lufto Dlamini
* Zimbabwe: Honourable Simbarashe Simbanenduku Mumbengegwi
* Zambia: Honourable Professor Fashion Phiri, Deputy Minister
* Tanzania: Honourable Seif Ali Iddi, Deputy Minister
* Mauritius: Mr Danny Aubeeluck, Representative of the Mauritius High Commission
The Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr Tomaz A Salamao, also attended the meeting.
The meeting was opened by the Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee Organ, Honourable Oldemiro Baloi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Mozambique.
In his opening remarks, Honourable Minister Baloi urged the meeting to remain steadfast in their support for SADC candidate for the African Union, Chairpersonship and commended the member states for their efforts in supporting peace initiatives in the region and beyond.
The meeting reiterated the 2009 Kinshasa summit decision that, consistent with the established rotational principle of the African Union, Malawi remains the candidate for the Chairperson of African Union and SADC members individually and collectively commit to support Malawi in the process.
ISPDC supported the initiatives of the Christian Council of Lesotho in resolving the post-2007 elections challenges in the country and urged the stakeholders to speedily resolve the matter. The Lesotho government is finalising the dates for the visit of the Organ Troika summit.
ISPDC further noted with appreciation the efforts of His Excellency Joaquim Chissano, former President of the Republic of Mozambique and leader of Joint Mediation Team on Madagascar (JMMT) and the International Contact Group (ICG) on their efforts of restoring constitutional normalcy to Madagascar and urged all parties to desist from any unilateral action that may hinder the restoration of constitutional normalcy.
ISPDC condemns any unilateral decision that is contrary to the spirit of dialogue in Madagascar. ISPDC also noted with appreciation the efforts of SADC facilitator in assisting Zimbabwe to fully implement the global political agreement (GPA).
ISPDC expressed its condolences to the Presidents and the people of Malawi and Democratic Republic of Congo for the loss of life and damage to property caused by the earthquake and volcanic eruptions respectively. ISPDC also congratulated the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama for winning the October 2009 general elections.
ISPDC also congratulated Frelimo and His Excellency Armando Emilio Guebuza Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and President of the Republic of Mozambique for winning the October 2009 general elections.
ISPDC congratulated South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) party and President Hifikepunye Pohamba for winning the November 2009 National Assembly and Presidential Elections. ISPDC further congratulated the people and the governments of Angola and South Africa for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations and 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup respectively and wished them success.
ISPDC expressed gratitude to the people and the government of the Republic of Mozambique for warm hospitality and working conditions provided.
Issued by: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
7 January 2010
