The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional peace, security, and development at the 27th Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, convened on 24–25 July in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.
The meeting was chaired by Honourable Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the SADC Organ (MCO) and attended by, amongst others, Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs, Public Security and State Security in all SADC Member States.
In his opening remarks, Honourable Ambassador Kombo underscored SADC’s collective responsibility to promote and safeguard regional peace and security, and to build resilient conflict management institutions and structures for sustainable peace and stability.
Honourable Ambassador Kombo commended SADC’s ongoing efforts to advance regional peace and security and acknowledged the important contributions of the Panel of Elders and Mediation Reference Group in conflict resolution. He also commended the establishment of the Network of Women Mediators early this year as a significant stride toward inclusive mediation, ensuring that the needs of women and children are integrated into peace processes.
On the Security situation in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the MCO Chairperson reiterated the commitment of the SADC Heads of State and Government to pursue dialogue and negotiation through the joint East African Community (EAC) and SADC.
On his part, the SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr. Elias Magosi called for strengthened unity and regional solidarity in response to global economic shifts, including rising tariff barriers and declining foreign aid.
“If ever there was a time for solidarity, this is the time. The current geopolitical developments must serve as a serious wake-up call for us, as a region, to continue to stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of such developments. United, we are stronger. And together, there is no challenge beyond our collective capacity,” said Mr. Magosi.
Following the conclusion of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), Mr. Magosi extended his appreciation to the Troop Contributing Countries and the host nation for their cooperation in ensuring the mission’s success. He also recognized the Member States that provided sustained financial support to the operation.
Regarding the fight against transnational crimes such as poaching, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, arms proliferation, and motor vehicle theft, the Executive Secretary reaffirmed the region’s commitment to accelerate the implementation of harmonised responses, particularly through the SADC Integrated Strategy to Prevent and Combat Transnational Organised Crime.
Key discussions, highlights and outcomes of the 27th MCO.
The MCO observed a Moment of Silence and paid tribute in honour of distinguished persons of the SADC region who recently passed away. These include His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia who passed away on 5 June, 2025, His Excellency David Mabuza, former Deputy President of South Africa who passed away on 3 July 2025, His Excellency Dr. Sam Nujoma, Founding President of the Republic of Namibia who passed away on 8 February, His Royal Highness Prince Mabandla Dlamini, Former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini who passed away on 29 June 2025 and Senator Constance Simelane, the Former Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini who passed away on 14 July 2024. The MCO also expressed its condolences following the passing of two Secretariat staff Ms. Nthabiseng Liphapang, Head of the Legal Affairs Unit from the Kingdom of Lesotho and Ms. Antoinette Manana, Programme Officer for Gender Mainstreaming from the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The MCO endorsed and recommended for approval by the SADC Council of Ministers, the draft Framework on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) and Transitional Justice (TJ) which will help reduce repeat offences and strengthen community safety across the region on this note, the MCO called for robust investment in rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
The MCO commended all troops that participated in the SAMIDRC and all Member States for supporting the regional initiative towards attainment of peace and stability in the Eastern DRC and called on the Member States to remain actively seized with the security situation in that part of the country through continued support to the ongoing political and diplomatic initiatives.
In addressing the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, the MCO urged Member States to enhance the implementation of African Union Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silencing the Guns in Africa, a strategic African continental framework which aims to achieve peace and security by addressing the root causes of conflict.
In the fight against Drug Trafficking in the SADC Region, the MCO urged Member States to strengthen collaboration, coordination and cooperation through information sharing and intelligence, joint investigations and operations, controlled deliveries, mutual legal assistance and extradition of suspects.
The MCO urged Member States to enhance cooperation and coordination to prevent and control theft of motor vehicles, stock and vandalism of critical public infrastructure such as power equipment.
The MCO commended the SADC Secretariat for facilitating the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between SADC and the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)/Western Sahara which took place on 2nd April 2025 and affirmed the complementarity of the MOU to the United Nations-led process regarding the self-determination of Western Sahara and the need to align it with the UN-led process.
In line with Article 5 of the SADC Protocol of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, the MCO continues to serve as the central coordinating body for promoting peace and security throughout the SADC region.
