The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold the 28th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation from 16–17 July 2026 at the Livingstonia International Conference Centre (LICC) in Salima, Republic of Malawi.
Honourable Dr. George Thapatula Chaponda (MP), Minister of Foreign Affairs, and International Cooperation of the Republic of Malawi, will chair the meeting in his capacity as Chairperson of the MCO.
In accordance with Article 5 of the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, the MCO brings together Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Public Security, and State Security from all SADC Member States. The Committee plays a pivotal role in coordinating the work of the SADC Organ, which is mandated to promote peace, security, and political stability across the region.
The 28th Ordinary Meeting of the MCO will provide an important platform to assess progress and reinforce collective commitment to democracy, good governance, and stability within the SADC region. The meeting will focus on reviewing the implementation of decisions taken during previous sessions of the MCO, the Council of Ministers, and the Summit of Heads of State and Government. It will also evaluate the current political situation in the region and advance efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and good governance.
Ahead of the ministerial meeting, the Meeting of Senior Officials will take place from 13–14 July 2026, and will be chaired by Mr. Chauncy M.K. Simwaka, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Malawi, as a preparatory session to ensure that the MCO meets with a clear and united focus on strengthening peace, security, and political stability across the SADC region.
The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation recognises that peace, security, and political relations are critical factors in creating a conducive environment for regional cooperation and integration.
By addressing emerging challenges and consolidating democratic governance, the 28th Ordinary Meeting of the MCO will reaffirm the region’s shared commitment to building a peaceful, secure, and united Southern Africa.
Media enquiries
SADC Secretariat - Ms. Barbara Lopi, Head of Communication and Public Relations,
Email: blopi@sadc.int with a copy to prinfo@sadc.int
Republic of Malawi – Mr. Alex Chitwere - Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Malawi; Tel: +265 999621852/881877453
SADC in Brief
SADC is an organisation of 16 Member States established in 1980 as the Southern African Development Coordinating Conference (SADCC) and later transformed into SADC in August 1992. SADC’s mission is to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development through deeper cooperation and integration, good governance, and durable peace and security, so that the region emerges as a competitive and effective player in international relations and the global economy. Member States are Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Issued by the SADC Secretariat, Gaborone, Botswana
