The Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, held on 16 August 2026 in Durban, South Africa, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to promoting peace, security, democratic governance and sustainable development.
The Organ Troika Summit underscored the importance of regional solidarity, dialogue and collective action in addressing current political and security challenges, while strengthening efforts to ensure stability, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Southern Africa.
Opening the Organ Troika Summit, the Second Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Right Honourable Enock Kanzingeni Chihana, representing His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi and Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Right Honourable Enock Kanzingeni Chihana underscored the importance of unity, dialogue and collective action in addressing regional challenges, adding that the decisions taken at the Organ Troika Summit will strengthen SADC’s role as a guarantor of peace, constitutional order and democratic governance.
He paid tribute to the Outgoing Chairperson of the Organ Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan of United Republic of Tanzania for her contribution to regional peace initiatives and welcomed King Mswati III of Eswatini as the Incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
In his remarks, SADC Executive Secretary His Excellency Elias M. Magosi noted that the region remains generally stable and free from inter-state conflict, while highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts to address political and security challenges in some parts of the SADC region.
H.E. Magosi acknowledged progress made through preventive diplomacy, mediation and dialogue initiatives. He reiterated SADC’s support for a durable political solution to the conflict and commended Member States for their solidarity in responding to health emergencies and humanitarian crises in the country.
The Outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania was represented by Honourable Dr. Rhimo Nyansaho, Minister of Defence and National Service and His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation was represented Honourable Senator Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
