Communiqué 2007 Extra-Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, 28th - 29th March 2007, Dar-es-Salaam

The Extra-Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SADC met in Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania on 29 March 2007 to discuss the political, economic and security situation in the region, with special focus on the situations in Lesotho, DRC and Zimbabwe.

The meeting was chaired by his Excellency President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit was attended by following Heads of State and Government and Government representatives:

DRC HE President Joseph Kabila

Kingdom of Right Honourable Prime Minister Pakalitha Moslsill
Lesotho

Malawi HE President Bingu wa Muthrika

Mozambique HE President Armando Emilio Guebuza

Namibia HE President Hifikepunye Pohamba

South Africa HE President Thabo Mbeki

Kingdom of Right Honourable Prime Minister Themba Dlamini
Swaziland

United Republic HE President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
of Tanzania

Zambia HE President Levy P Mwanawasa

Zimbabwe HE President Robert G Mugabe

Botswana HE Vice-President honourable Honourable Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama lan Khama

Angola Honourable Joao Bernando Miranda Minister of External Relations

Madagascar HE Bruno Ranarivelo Ambassador to Mauritius

Mauritius HE Mahomed dossa High Commissioner to South Africa

ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN LESOTHO

The Extra-Ordinary Summit recalled that the Kingdom of Lesotho recently held successful, peaceful and democratic elections.

The extra-Ordinary Summit noted and appreciated a briefing by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili and a report form the Executive Secretary arising out of the meeting of the Ministerial Double Troika on post electoral developments in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit decided to send a SADC delegation at Ministerial level to go and assess the situation as requested by the political parties.

ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN THE DRC

The Extra-Ordinary Summit recalled that SADC took an active part in ensuring the holding of free, fair and democratic elections in the DRC and congratulated the Government and people of the DRC for the successful outcome.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit noted and appreciated the briefing by HE President Joseph Kabila on the current political situation in the DRC.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit resolved to render unconditional support to the government of the DRC in its quest to restore law and order maintaining peace and stability and spearheading national reconstruction.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit reaffirmed the sovereign rights of the DRC to have a single national army and urged all armed groups to integrate into the national army or to be demobilised.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit reiterated that the rule of law in the DRC must be observed and respected by all parties in conformity with accepted international convention.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit expressed concern and the loss of life and urged all parties to respect the sanctity on human lives and the principles of human rights.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit expressed its support to the ongoing efforts for the economic reconstruction of the DRC.

POLITICAL SITUATION IN ZIMBABWE

The Extra-Ordinary Summit noted and appreciated the briefing by His Excellency President Robert G Mugabe on the current political developments in Zimbabwe.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit recalled that free, fair and democratic presidential election were held in 2002 in Zimbabwe.

The Extra Ordinary Summit reaffirmed its solidarity with the government and people of Zimbabwe.

The Extra-Ordinary Summit mandated His Excellency President Thabo Mbeki to continue to facilitate dialogue between the opposition and the government and report back to the troika on progress.

The Extra ordinary summit also encouraged enhanced diplomatic contacts which will assist with the resolution of the situation in Zimbabwe.

The Extra Ordinary Summit mandated the SADC Executive Secretary to undertake a study on the economic situation in Zimbabwe and propose measures on how SADC can assist Zimbabwe recover economically.

The Extra-Ordinary summit reiterated the appeal to Britain to honour its compensation obligations with regards to land reform made at the Lancaster House.

The Extra Ordinary Summit appealed for the lifting of all forms of sanctions against Zimbabwe.