SADC Endorses New Measures to Strengthen Regional Peace, Security and Governance

By Pa Modou Cham

Salima, Malawi – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation has endorsed a wide range of measures aimed at strengthening peace and security, promoting democratic governance, improving migration management, combating corruption and organised crime, and preserving the region’s liberation heritage.

The decisions were adopted during the Committee’s 28th Session, held in Salima, Malawi, from 16–17 July 2026, where ministers reviewed progress on key political, security and governance initiatives and reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to regional stability, integration and sustainable development.

Opening the session, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee, Dr George Thapatula Chaponda, called on Member States to deepen regional cooperation in addressing peace and security challenges. He highlighted developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar and Mozambique, stressing that dialogue, political commitment and collaboration remain essential to achieving lasting peace.

SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi warned that although Southern Africa remains one of the continent’s most peaceful regions, emerging threats, including climate change, food insecurity, terrorism, cybercrime and transnational organised crime, require stronger regional cooperation to safeguard peace and development gains.

Ministers reaffirmed support for regional and continental peace initiatives in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo while expressing concern over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation. They also extended condolences following the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and called for enhanced coordination to restore stability.

On Madagascar, the Committee encouraged political actors to continue resolving differences through peaceful dialogue and welcomed plans to establish a SADC Liaison Office to strengthen mediation and reconciliation efforts. Ministers also commended former Malawian President Dr Joyce Banda for her leadership of the SADC Panel of Elders.

Regarding Mozambique, ministers welcomed progress under the Inclusive National Dialogue process and described the signing of the Political Commitment for an Inclusive National Dialogue as an important step towards national unity and long-term stability.

Among the key decisions adopted, the Committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democratic governance and urged Member States to support election observation missions. Ministers also adopted a framework to coordinate common foreign policy positions and endorsed a draft framework for Centres of Excellence on Good Governance, Human Rights and the Rule of Law. In addition, they recommended extending the implementation of the regional Mediation, Conflict Prevention and Preventive Diplomacy Strategic Plan to 2030.

The Committee further endorsed activities to commemorate Southern Africa Liberation Day on 23 March 2027 and approved measures to preserve the region’s liberation heritage through national and regional commemorations.

Ministers also reviewed progress on the construction of the SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot, noting that approximately 68 per cent of the project has been completed. Once operational, the facility is expected to improve the region’s capacity to respond to conflicts, humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters while strengthening the operational readiness of the SADC Standby Force.

On regional integration, the Committee expressed concern over delays in the ratification of the Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons, urging remaining Member States to complete the ratification process. Ministers also reviewed progress on the SADC UNIVISA initiative, which aims to simplify travel, boost tourism and promote regional integration through a common tourist visa.

The Committee identified corruption as a major enabler of organised crime and endorsed stronger accountability measures. Progress under the SADC Anti-Corruption Strategic Action Plan (2023–2027) showed a 34 per cent increase in corruption cases reaching prosecution and trial, while recovered illicit assets rose by 44 per cent to approximately US$268 million. Ministers also approved measures to combat illicit firearms trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, illegal mining, wildlife trafficking and cybercrime.

Looking ahead, ministers identified climate-induced food insecurity, unemployment, poverty and geopolitical instability as major regional challenges. They called for accelerated industrialisation, increased value addition, expanded intra-regional trade and the development of a regional strategy for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel. The Committee also endorsed stronger counter-terrorism cooperation while stressing that all security measures must continue to respect human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.

The Committee concluded that the outcomes of its 28th Session demonstrate SADC’s continued commitment to deepening regional cooperation, strengthening democratic governance, enhancing peace and security, promoting economic resilience and advancing sustainable development across Southern Africa.