Staff Reporter
THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, stability and regional integration following an Extraordinary Summit of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, which focused on developments in Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The summit, held on 22 June 2026, was chaired by Malawi’s Second Vice President, Right Honourable Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, on behalf of President Arthur Peter Mutharika, Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The meeting brought together the Organ Troika member states, including Malawi as the current chair, the Kingdom of Eswatini as incoming chair, and Tanzania as outgoing chair.
Photos: Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Discussions focused on progress made in supporting dialogue and reconciliation in Madagascar, following decisions taken by SADC Heads of State and Government in December 2025 to strengthen interventions in the country.
SADC welcomed the work of the Panel of Elders, which conducted three missions to Madagascar between January and May 2026 to support peacebuilding efforts and encourage inclusive national dialogue.
The missions were led by former Malawian President Dr Joyce Banda, who heads the SADC Shuttle Diplomacy Missions, and included engagements with former Mozambican President Dr Joaquim Alberto Chissano, the SADC Envoy to Madagascar.
The summit noted that these efforts aimed to restore SADC’s presence in Madagascar, strengthen mediation initiatives and support lasting peace in the country.
On the DRC, SADC expressed concern over the resurgence of the Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Congolese people.
The regional body also raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the DRC, warning that continued instability threatens national peace and regional integration.
SADC called on all parties to respect the Doha and Washington Accords, particularly ceasefire commitments, while emphasising the importance of African-led peace initiatives supported by international efforts.
The summit further agreed on recommendations to be presented to the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government for consideration.
