BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation has endorsed a broad package of measures to strengthen peace and security, promote democratic governance, improve migration management, combat corruption and organised crime, and preserve the region’s liberation heritage. The decisions were adopted at the MCO’s 28th Session, held in Salima, Malawi, from 16–17 July 2026, as ministers reviewed progress on key political, security and governance initiatives and reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to regional stability, integration and sustainable development.
Key pillars for building a safer, more prosperous and integrated SADC emerged from the discussions. Ministers highlighted mediation and conflict prevention, democratic governance, migration management, anti-corruption efforts, counter-terrorism cooperation and humanitarian response as central strands of regional peace and resilience. They stressed that advancing these areas requires coordinated action, strong institutions and respect for human rights and the rule of law.
In addressing specific regional dynamics, ministers discussed the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and conveyed condolences to the Government and people of the DRC following the Ebola outbreak in the region. They urged coordinated humanitarian and health responses and reaffirmed the importance of regional solidarity and timely information-sharing. The delegation also noted Madagascar’s call for inclusive dialogue and peaceful engagement to resolve differences, encouraging constructive engagement and mutual understanding among member states.
On Mozambique, ministers welcomed progress under the Inclusive National Dialogue process and applauded the signing of the Political Commitment for an Inclusive National Dialogue, which they viewed as a positive step toward national reconciliation, social cohesion and sustainable stability.
Looking to the broader regional outlook, ministers identified climate-induced food insecurity, unemployment, poverty, public health pressures and geopolitical instability as major challenges. To address these, they called for accelerated industrialisation, greater value addition, expanded intra-regional trade and reduced dependence on external markets. A regional strategy for critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt and nickel—was given particular emphasis, recognizing the sector’s growing importance for industrial development and the global energy transition.
The Committee also endorsed measures to strengthen regional resilience against terrorism and violent extremism. Proposed steps include establishing National Counter-Terrorism Centres, enhancing intelligence-sharing, expanding specialised training programmes and fostering closer cooperation among security agencies. Ministers underscored that counter-terrorism efforts must continue to uphold human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.
The outcomes of the 28th Session reflect SADC’s strong commitment to deepening regional cooperation and addressing emerging challenges through collective action. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu led Eswatini’s delegation as Incoming Chairperson of the MCO and expressed appreciation for the Eswatini technical team’s efforts. She noted that the Kingdom of Eswatini is prepared to assume its responsibilities when His Majesty King Mswati III takes the Organ’s Chairmanship at the next Summit. Regarding the decisions adopted at the MCO, Shakantu stated that they demonstrate SADC’s focus on preserving peace, strengthening democratic governance, promoting economic resilience and stability, and advancing regional integration and sustainable development for the people of Southern Africa.
(Courtesy Pic)
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