Southern African Development Community (SADC) 27THmeeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Peace and Security began on Thursday last week at Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The meeting brings together ministers, senior officials and heads of defence and security organs from SADC member states to discuss progress in implementing key peace and security initiatives including the withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and efforts to address transnational crimes

Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of MCO, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo welcomed the delegates and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in promoting peace and security.

He said this Ministerial Committee marks the culmination of efforts by key Committees that support the Organ structure namely the Inter-State Politics and Diplomacy Committee, the Inter-State Defence and Security Committee, Public Security Sub-Committee, State Security Sub Committee to mention a few.

He mentioned that this period under review has been a significant test of their region’s commitment to democratic governance with four member states namely the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Botswana, the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Namibia successfully holding General Elections.

In his remarks, SADC Executive Secretary Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi highlighted the region’s commitment to peace, stability and sound governance saying at the heart of SADC’s vision for regional integration and development lies their enduring commitment to the said three pillars.

He stated that in line with this vision, the meeting will assess progress in implementing key peace and security initiatives across the region and reaffirm their collective resolve to strengthen regional security, consolidate democratic institutions as well as enhance the resilience of their community.

He said in response to the crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), SADC deployed the SAMIDRC in December 2023, supporting the government of the DRC’s efforts to restore peace and security.

Mr. Magosi noted that following developments on the ground, the Extraordinary Summit on March 13 approved the phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC which commenced on April 29 and is ending.

Moreover, he indicated that the closure of SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) on July 15, 2024, also marked a crucial time in their efforts to restore peace in Cabo Delgado Province in the face of rampant terrorism and violent extremism. He said this milestone underscores their region’s resolve to tackle complex security challenges through principled and coordinated action.

He added that to advance this approach, the SADC Secretariat is finalizing its PCRD and Transitional Justice Framework, a strategic instrument that will support Member States emerging from various forms of conflict and help prevent cyclical instability.

SADC Executive Secretary said this year also marks the 25thanniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, a milestone in promoting women’s participation in peace and security.

Meanwhile the meeting aims to assess progress, reaffirm collective resolve and strengthen regional security, consolidating democratic institutions and enhancing community resilience. Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane was among Ministers who attended the meeting.