SADC Presidents have resolved to convene an Extraordinary Summit by June 20th to respond to the conflict in Mozambique
The Pan Afrikanist Watchman
Leaders of SADC gathered today (May 27th 2021) in Maputo, Mozambique commended Mozambique for agreeing to host the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre.
In contrast to expectations that the leaders would deploy a SADC Standby Force to ‘effectively’ deal with the terrorist attacks instigated by Ahl al-Sunnah wa al Jamma’ah (ASWJ) in the northern town of Palma in the Cabo Degado Province, which left some 40, 000 people displaced – they instead resolved to respond to the resultant large-scale humanitarian problem arising from the terror attacks.
The Double Troika Summit (Summit) of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) also commended the initiative of the Republic of Mozambique to organise a Business Forum on the margins of the SADC Summit and invited Member States to participate.
Below is the Communiqué of the Double Troika Summit.
Communiqué of the Double Troika Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community Maputo, Republic of Mozambique
1. The Double Troika Summit (Summit) of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held in Maputo, Republic of Mozambique, on 27th May, 2021.
2. Summit was officially opened by H.E. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique and Chairperson of SADC, and was attended by the following Heads of State and Government or their representatives:
Mozambique: H.E. President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, Chairperson of SADC.
Botswana: H.E. President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Malawi: H.E. President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, In-coming Chairperson of SADC.
South Africa: H.E. President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, In-coming Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Zimbabwe: H.E. President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, Outgoing Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Tanzania: H.E. President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, representing H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Outgoing Chairperson of SADC.
3. Also in attendance was Her Excellency, Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, SADC Executive Secretary.
4. Summit received a report of the Chairperson of the Organ on the security situation in Cabo Delgado Province, northern part of Mozambique and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Mozambique, and its continued efforts in addressing terrorism and ensuring lasting peace and security in Mozambique, which is also a threat to the SADC Region.
5. Summit noted the progress in finding a lasting solution to terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Cabo Delgado Province, and considered the proposed regional response in support of the Republic of Mozambique.
6. Summit agreed to convene an extra-ordinary Summit by 20 June 2021 to be held in the Republic of Mozambique.
7. Summit noted progress towards the establishment and operationalisation of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), which will enhance regional capabilities in risk and disaster management, and commended the Republic of Mozambique for her commitment to host the centre.
8. Summit commended the initiative of the Republic of Mozambique to organise a Business Forum on the margins of the SADC Summit and invited Member States to participate.
9. Summit expressed sympathy and solidarity with the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo following the Nyiragongo volcanic eruption in Goma, which caused the destruction of property, loss of life and displacement of people.
10. Summit commended H.E. President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation for spearheading the work of the Organ.
11. Summit commended H.E. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique and Chairperson of SADC for his leadership in coordinating the regional integration agenda, and in mitigating the impact of the COVID – 19 pandemic.
12. Summit thanked H.E. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique and Chairperson of SADC for hosting the Double Troika Summit.
Issued in Maputo, Republic of Mozambique, 27th May, 2021
