Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been appointed Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation.
The appointment was made during the 44th ordinary SADC summit of heads of state and government held on August 17, 2024, in Moundabden, Harare, Zimbabwe.
President Hassan’s new role involves overseeing and managing regional political, defence, and security issues within the SADC framework. She succeeds Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, who previously held the position.
The summit also marked a significant leadership transition within the SADC, with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially taking over as Chairperson of the SADC from Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.
In his farewell address, President Lourenço reflected on his tenure, highlighting the achievements and ongoing efforts of the regional organization under his leadership.
He commended the collective efforts of SADC member states in addressing critical issues such as disease reduction, disaster management, and regional security.
“Over the past year, we have made significant strides in combating diseases like HIV/AIDS and cholera, and we have operationalised the SADC Humanitarian Operations Centre, which has been instrumental in responding to natural disasters,” President Lourenço said.
He also recognised the support and collaboration of member states, emphasising that the region’s progress reflects the power of unity and cooperation.
As he handed over leadership to President Mnangagwa, President Lourenço expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s ability to lead SADC through its next phase of development.
He urged a continued focus on industrialisation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
“Our work is far from over. We must continue to promote innovation and unlock opportunities for sustainable development across our region. I have full faith that under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, SADC will continue to thrive and advance the well-being of our people,” President Lourenço remarked.
The outgoing chairman also addressed ongoing security challenges in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stressing the need for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
He extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in SADC missions in Mozambique and the DRC and called for renewed efforts to restore peace in these areas.
In accepting the chairmanship, President Mnangagwa outlined his vision for SADC’s future, focusing on economic transformation and regional integration.
He pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor and work closely with all member states to achieve the region’s goals.
“Zimbabwe is honoured to take on this responsibility, and we are committed to driving SADC’s agenda forward. We will focus on deepening regional integration, enhancing our industrial capacity, and fostering an environment where innovation can flourish,” President Mnangagwa stated.
The summit, held under the theme “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialized SADC,” also featured discussions on climate change, economic cooperation, and the impact of global events on the region.
As the new SADC Chairman, President Mnangagwa will lead the regional body in addressing these pressing issues, with a focus on achieving sustainable development and economic resilience.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment from all member states to work together towards a peaceful, united, and prosperous SADC region.