In 2007, SADC recognised a need for a collective self-defence system in line with the United Nations and African Union, dedicated to preserving peace and security throughout Southern Africa. Therefore, on 16th August 2007, it passed the Memorandum of Understanding Amongst the Southern African Development Community Member States on the Establishment of a Southern African Development Community Standby Brigade.
This Memorandum of Understanding establishes a SADC Standby Brigade comprised of military, police, and civilian personnel who provide peace and security assistance to the region. It sets out the Standby Brigade’s functions and limitations, its methods of deployment, and its system of funding, command structure, and logistics. In signing the Memorandum of Understanding, Member States agree to contribute personnel and equipment to a regional peacekeeping brigade, in turn receiving reimbursement from SADC where applicable.
