Media Statement: Press Release following the SADC Ministerial Meeting of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation
The SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security (MCO) met at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban, Republic of South Africa from 18 – 19 July 2008,
The meeting was chaired by the Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola, Hon. Dr. João Bernardo de Miranda and the Chairperson of MCO.
All 14 SADC Member States attended the meeting.
The two day MCO meeting was also attended by the SADC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tomaz A Salamáo.
The MCO considered reports from the Inter-State Politics, Defence and Security Committee (ISDSC) Meeting held in Luanda, Republic of Angola, from the 2 - 6 June, 2008 and the Inter-State Politics and Diplomacy Committee (ISPDC) Meeting also held in Luanda, Angola on 23 June 2008.
The MCO meeting reviewed and considered among others the following issues:
Political and Security situation in the region;
Hashim-Mbita Project, which documents the liberation history of the region;
Operationalisation of SADC Brigade;
Implementation of the UNIVISA System for SADC Region; and
Launching of the Regional Early Warning Centre (REWC).
The MCO meeting was preceded by a meeting of Senior Officials which took place from 16 – 18 July 2008.
The MCO paid glowing tribute to one of the world’s great statesmen, former President of South Africa, HE Nelson R. Mandela, who was celebrating his 90th birthday the day the MCO meeting opened. The meeting expressed its appreciation of Mr. Mandela’s astute political approach that benefited not only South Africa, but also the African Continent and further across the Continent’s borders. His political leadership that was also characterised by a great sense of reconciliation, reminded the meeting of other African leaders of his calibre like Excellencies Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Dr. Kennth Kaunda of Zambia, Sir Seretse Khama of Botwsana, Samora Machel of Mozambique and Dr. Agostinho Neto of Angola, amongst others. The meeting sent a message of good wishes to Mr Mandela, through the government of South Africa, and wished this iconic freedom, well.
The MCO expressed confidence that the political and security situation in the region remained stable and peaceful. Challenges experienced in countries like the DRC, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa and Zimbabwe were being addressed in ways that illustrate a deep sense of commitment and enthusiasm.
The DRC was commended for the improvement in that country’s political situation, which was greatly assisted by the government’s resolve and the constructive contributions by some of the DRC’s neighbours. Major steps towards the improved situation included the signing in November 2007 of the Nairobi Communiqué and its subsequent implementation. An additional boost was the signing of the Peace Agreement in January 2008 that was designed to end the hostilities in the Eastern Congo.
The MCO noted progress made to consolidate peace in Lesotho, where one of the outstanding matters was a High Court challenge in the wake of that country’s 2007 elections. The Lesotho High Court has since made a ruling on the matter which, hopefully, will create new conditions fro parliament to do its work in accordance with the results of last year’s elections. The government of Lesotho has submitted the court’s judgement to the Eminent Person, and mediator on the issue, Sir Ketumile Masire.
The MCO supports all attempts made by all stakeholders in Lesotho to normalise the situation and to deal with challenges, whatever their magnitude through dialogue.
The meeting also noted the calm that characterises the Republic of Malawi, at this time. The MCO will remain seized to the matter and urges all stakeholders in the Republic of Malawi to resolve their political differences amicably.
The MCO noted progress made by the Republic of South Africa regarding the recent xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in that country and against its own citizens and agreed on the need to develop a regional approach on xenophobia with a view to prevent its recurrence in the future. In this view, the MCO commended the government of the Republic of South Africa for the steps taken to stop the xenophobic attacks.
The situation in Zimbabwe also came under serious attention. The Politics and Diplomacy Ministers held a meeting on the margins of the MCO to discuss the current political and developments in the country. The MCO further reiterates its support to the African Union resolution on Zimbabwe, which SADC also subscribed to, that mapped the way forward for Zimbabweans, in particular on the creation of a government of national unity.
The MCO further reaffirmed its position to support the current mediation process led by HE Thabo Mbeki, the President of the Republic of South Africa, and urged all parties seriously to engage in a dialogue in order to resolve expeditiously the challenges facing Zimbabwe.
The MCO urged all stakeholders to be engaged in a genuine and constructive manner for the sake of peace and development in Zimbabwe.
19th July 2008
Done at the International Convention Centre in Durban
