President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to supporting peace and stability in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
President Hichilema says Zambia will do its best to ensure that peace and stability prevails in the SADC region.
The Head of State notes that instability in any country has potential to derail economic development.
ZANIS reports that President Hichilema made these remarks today in his virtual address during the official opening of the Ordinary SADC Troika Summit being held in Harare, Zimbabwe.
President Hichilema who spoke as SADC Chairperson on Politics Defence and Security Cooperation encouraged the gathering to continue working hard and ensure global peace and security is maintained.
The Head of State also encouraged SADC countries to continue working at deepening democracy in their countries.
“I wish to encourage citizens in the region to support the electoral processes in a peaceful and tolerant manner. Allow space for economic and social development to play its part,” he advised.
President Hichilema further advised that elections can be deep and emotional but that citizens should continue working at fostering peace.
“SADC has witnessed peaceful transitions in the past year, I am looking forward to the coming elections,” he added.
President Hichilema assumed the Chairmanship of the SADC-Organ Troika in August 2023 and has since handed it over to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
And in his closing remarks as outgoing Chairperson of the Organ, President Hichilema said the meeting has demonstrated the collective will and commitment of the region to achieve the common mission of enhancing regional integration and peaceful coexistence.
He acknowledged the tremendous support and cooperation of colleagues in the Organ Troika and commended the outgoing Chairpersons for their efforts.
“To the Incoming Chairperson Tanzanian President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, I am gratified that you are taking over this critical Organ of our SADC organisation. I wish you the very best and we are there to see you succeed,” he added.
He reaffirmed Zambia’s full confidence in the Tanzanian government, that it will discharge the Organs collective duties in a splendid manner and assured Tanzania of Zambia’s support during its tenure.
Meanwhile, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magotsi expressed concern with the humanitarian situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Mr Magotsi said the situation in the Eastern DRC is dire as attacks being perpetuated by hostilities from armed groups continue to burden the already eternally displaced communities.
“The humanitarian situation is increasingly in a sad state, it needs our well concerted action,” he added.
Mr Magotsi stated that the region recognises that political and mediation aspects of conflict resolution are key components that will lead to the desired peace and stability in Eastern DRC adding that SADC therefore, directs its support to the Nairobi and Rwanda processes.
He expressed gratitude and appreciation to President Hichilema during his tenure as SADC Chairperson on Politics Defence and Security Cooperation.
“To the incoming Chairperson, Tanzanian President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, I assure you of secretarial support to ensure your success,” he added.
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