Staff Reporter
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened a virtual Extraordinary Summit last Monday, to address the worsening political and security crisis in Mozambique following its recent elections.
The Summit, chaired by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation chairperson, sought to tackle the escalating instability that threatens peace and regional cooperation.
“I want to underscore that the SADC region cannot afford to ignore what is happening in the Republic of Mozambique, especially when it directly impacts the socio-economic fabric of the entire SADC region,” said President Hassan during her opening remarks.
Key regional leaders participated in the Summit, including outgoing SADC Organ Troika Chairperson and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Malawian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Gladys Tembo, who was representing incoming Chairperson, President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.
SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi also joined the discussions.
President Hichilema stressed the broader implications of Mozambique’s crisis on the region.
“The political and security situation in Mozambique is not only affecting the people of Mozambique, but also hindering regional trade in critical sectors like energy and transport. We must firmly support interventions that will restore peace and stability in Mozambique, as it is crucial for regional security and co-operation,” he said.
Magosi echoed these sentiments, affirming the bloc’s solidarity with Mozambique.
“We stand in unity with the people of Mozambique, and it is our collective responsibility to pave the way for them to return to a life of peace and prosperity,” he said.
The Summit expressed deep concern over the deteriorating post-election political and security situation in Mozambique, emphasizing its adverse socio-economic effects.
A joint statement from the leaders said, “The Summit noted with concern the deteriorating post-election political and security situation in Mozambique and the adverse effects on the supply chains of essential commodities.”
To address the crisis, the SADC Panel of Elders was tasked with engaging both the Government of Mozambique and opposition leaders.
Supported by the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) Troika, the panel will present its findings to President Hassan by January 15, 2025.
“We will engage with key leaders in Mozambique and work towards creating an environment that can bring peace,” the statement added.
The Inter-State Defence and Security Committee was also directed to propose measures to safeguard critical regional trade routes, humanitarian corridors, and energy supplies.
The interventions are deemed vital to resolving the crisis and ensuring regional stability.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting Mozambique in overcoming its challenges and reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring peace and stability in Southern Africa.
