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President Hakainde Hichilema has raised concern over the evolving security threats in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, including cybercrime, terrorism, and transnational organized crime.
Speaking on his behalf, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe, said at the SADC Organ Troika Summit in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Saturday that President Hichilema underscored Zambia’s role during its tenure as Chair in elevating dialogue around these challenges.
He highlighted the need for closer cooperation among Member States in intelligence sharing, capacity building, and border security.
The Summit was chaired by Tanzanian Vice President Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, representing President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Minister Haimbe was accompanied by Zambia’s High Commissioner to Botswana Pamela Chisanga and other senior Government officials.
“Zambia remained seized with the deteriorating security situation in the eastern DRC and fully supported the deployment of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC),” President Hichilema said in his intervention statement marking the conclusion of Zambia’s tenure in the Organ Troika.
He noted that the handover of responsibility reaffirmed the region’s collective commitment to peace, security, stability, democracy, and cooperation. Zambia assumed membership of the Organ Troika in August 2022 and, during its term, worked with Member States and the SADC Secretariat to advance the Organ’s mandate—focusing on conflict prevention, mediation, democracy consolidation, and security cooperation.
President Hichilema pointed to Zambia’s active role in political and peace processes in Lesotho, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mozambique.
“As outgoing SADC Chairperson on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, I wish to commend the resilience of the Member States in navigating complex transitions,” he said.
Read More: SADC summit directs phased withdrawal of troops from DRC, amid security concerns
He also expressed gratitude to Member States that contributed troops, resources, and diplomatic support to regional peace initiatives, describing it as a testament to SADC’s solidarity and capacity to defend peace and sovereignty.
On elections, President Hichilema highlighted Zambia’s leadership in deploying SADC Electoral Observation Missions across several Member States.
He commended the professionalism of the observers and the cooperation of host countries in upholding the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.
The President expressed gratitude to SADC Heads of State and Government for entrusting Zambia with the role and thanked the Organ Troika Members and Secretariat for their support.
He reiterated Zambia’s full confidence in the incoming leadership to continue advancing peace, stability, and integration in the region.
“There is need to remain vigilant, united, and resolute in the pursuit of a stable and prosperous Southern Africa,” President Hichilema emphasized.
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