BY DIRAMAKINI
THE 27th Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) commenced today 21st,2025 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
Ambassador Dr. Samwel William Shelukindo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and Chairperson of the Standing Committee of Senior Officials of the MCO, welcomed delegates and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in promoting peace and security.
"Our Meeting which is a precursor to the MCO, affords us an important opportunity to take stock of the progress made in the implementation of various decisions endorsed by Summits, Councils and our previous Meetings, including the 26th Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO), held in Lusaka last July.
"We will also extensively consider reports from the Inter-State Politics and Diplomacy Committee, Inter-State Defense and Security Committee; Public Security Sub-Committee; Anti-Corruption Sub Committee; Corrections/Prison Sub Committee; SARPCO and State Security."
The meeting aims to discuss progress made in implementing SADC decisions, consider reports from various committees, and address regional challenges, including security threats in the Eastern DRC.
Dr. Shelukindo paid tribute to former leaders who passed away, including former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and former South African Deputy President David Mabuza, and observed a minute of silence for the departed souls.
"Before proceeding, allow me to express our deepest condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia for the demise of His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Former President of the Republic of Zambia last month.
"The entire SADC fraternity will always remember the late President Lungu as a Statesman who served his nation with diligence and contributed significantly to the ideals of regional integration and unity.
"Our heartfelt condolences are also extended to the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa following the passing on of its former Deputy President His Excellency David Mabuza whose leadership reflected a desire economic and social transformation.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and all who mourn this profound loss.
"We also pay homage to our brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the theatre of operations under the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC)."
The meeting is expected to provide a platform for delegates to deliberate on regional peace and security issues and strengthen cooperation among SADC member states.
The five-days meeting that will end on the 25th of July 2025 will be chaired by Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in his capacity as the Chairperson of the MCO.