Remarks by his Excellency Mr Elias M. Magosi, Executive Secretary of SADC, at the Summit of the Ordinary SADC Organ Troika Heads of State and Government, Durban, Republic of South Africa
Your Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence
and Security Cooperation;
Your Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika,
Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, represented by the Right Honourable
Mr. Enoch Kanzingeni Chihana, Second Vice-President of the Republic of Malawi;
Your Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation,Vrepresented by Honourable Dr. Rhimo Nyansaho, Minister of Defence and National Service of the United Republic of Tanzania;
Honourable Dr. George Chaponda, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of
Malawi and Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation;
Honourable Ministers deputy ministers;
Distinguished Senior Officials, Chiefs of Security Institutions and Delegates from SADC Member States;
SADC Secretariat Staff;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
Your Majesty, Excellencies,
It is my distinct honour and privilege to welcome you to Durban, Republic of South Africa, for this Ordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit, convened on the eve of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for tomorrow.
Our collective efforts to safeguard peace, strengthen democratic governance, and advance sustainable development remain central to the aspirations of the people of Southern Africa.
The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation remains a cornerstone of our regional architecture. Through its
work, we continue to strengthen peace, security, and stability across our region, which are the essential foundations upon which
development, economic growth, and shared prosperity are built.
Lasting peace creates the conditions for investment, social progress, and prosperity. Equally, sustainable development reinforces peace by improving livelihoods, expanding opportunities, and strengthening the resilience of our societies.
Today's Summit will consider the report of the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation for the past year, which will subsequently be submitted to the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. The report reflects progress in advancing regional peace, security, and democratic governance, while also identifying challenges that require our continued attention and collective action.
Your Majesty, Excellencies,
I am pleased to note that the SADC region remains generally stable and free from inter-state conflict. Guided by the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, we have continued to strengthen institutions and mechanisms that promote peace, democracy, and regional integration. During the past year, SADC remained actively engaged in responding to political and security developments across the region. Through preventive diplomacy, dialogue, mediation, and conflict prevention initiatives, we have continued to pursue peaceful solutions and strengthen stability.
Particular attention has been directed towards developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of
Madagascar. These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and to supporting Member States facing complex political and security challenges.
While encouraging progress has been achieved, the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC remains deeply concerning. We therefore reaffirm our support for all efforts aimed at securing a peaceful, durable, and political solution that restores stability, protects human life, and creates the conditions for sustainable peace and development.
We extend our deepest condolences to all families and communities affected by violence, conflict, and humanitarian hardship. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has also faced significant public health challenges, including the Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak. In the spirit of regional solidarity, SADC Member States responded swiftly through humanitarian assistance, technical support, and health interventions. These actions demonstrate the strength of our regional cooperation and our commitment to standing together during times of crisis.
Your Majesty, Excellencies,
In Mozambique, the launch of an Inclusive National Dialogue following the 2024 elections marked an important step towards strengthening national cohesion, democratic participation, and political consensus. We are equally encouraged by continued
progress in addressing the security situation in Cabo Delgado through a combination of security measures, development initiatives, and regional cooperation.
In Madagascar, SADC has remained actively engaged in supporting dialogue and national reconciliation. Through diplomatic engagement, mediation efforts, and the work of the Panel of Elders, progress has been made towards constitutional reform, democratic governance, and the restoration of political stability. The planned establishment of a SADC Liaison Office reflects our continued commitment to supporting these efforts.
Democratic governance remains central to regional peace and stability. Over the past year, SADC Electoral Observation Missions
were successfully deployed to Malawi, Seychelles, the United Republic of Tanzania and recently to the Republic Zambia during
the elections held on 13 August 2026. These missions reaffirm our commitment to credible, transparent, and peaceful electoral
processes while identifying opportunities for further strengthening democratic institutions and electoral systems across the region.
Progress has also continued towards the establishment of the SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot in Botswana. Once
operational, this facility will significantly strengthen our collective capacity to respond rapidly and effectively to peace support operations, humanitarian emergencies, and natural disasters.
It represents an important investment in regional preparedness, resilience, and collective security.
Your Majesty, Excellencies,
Your deliberations today provide an important opportunity to review progress, identify priorities, and strengthen our collective response to the challenges and opportunities facing our region. Despite the challenges before us, there is every reason for confidence and optimism. Repeatedly, SADC has demonstrated that when we act in unity, solidarity, and shared purpose, we can overcome adversity, build resilience, and advance the well-being of our people. As we reflect on the year under review, it is fitting that we acknowledge the leadership and commitment of those who have guided the work of the Organ.
We express our sincere appreciation to Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, as
Tanzania concludes her tenure on the Organ Troika. The United Republic of Tanzania's contribution to regional peace and security, particularly in support of peace efforts in eastern DRC and the facilitation of the orderly withdrawal of SAMIDRC through Chato,
has been exemplary.
We likewise extend our warm congratulations to His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini, who will soon assume the
Chairpersonship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. We look forward to working closely with His
Majesty in advancing our shared objectives of peace, security, democratic governance, and regional stability.
Allow me also to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi and Chairperson of the Organ, for his leadership and stewardship during his tenure. Under his guidance, the Organ has continued to provide strategic direction and leadership in addressing the region's peace and security priorities.
Finally, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Ministerial Committee of the Organ Troika, under the leadership of Honourable Dr. George T. Chaponda, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Malawi, for its dedication and invaluable guidance in the preparations for this Summit. I also convey my sincere gratitude to all officials and staff whose hard work and professionalism have ensured the successful organisation of this meeting.
Equally, our appreciation goes to the SADC Secretariat for its professionalism, dedication and commitment to support the Organ
structures in delivering their mandates.
It is now my singular honour and privilege to invite the Right Honourable Mr Enoch Kanzingeni Chihana, Second VicePresident of the Republic of Malawi, to deliver remarks, and officially open the Summit.
I Thank you for your attention!
Merci beaucoup! Muito Obrigado! Asante Sana! Zikomo Kwambiri!
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