By Chimwemwe Njoloma in Maputo
Maputo, May 28, Mana: Double Troika Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held in Maputo, Mozambique has concluded with Member States agreeing to act collectively and decisively on ending terrorist attacks on innocent people.
The summit, officially opened by the Mozambican President and Chairperson of SADC Filipe Nyusi, Thursday was attended by Heads of State and Government or their representatives including Malawi.
President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi who is Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation welcomed Heads of State and thanked them for their commitment amidst their busy schedules to personally be in Maputo.
He said that clearly demonstrated the importance attached towards addressing the thorny problems that has landed on the door steps.
“The most soluble responsibility for any President is to keep his or her people safe. We refuse to be by standers when human kind is disseminated by cowardly acts of terrorists,” Masisi said.
He said that the Heads of State would be guided by the clear commitment to collectively protect the region from the inhumane terrorists.
“We will act collectively and decisively as we send a message to these faceless terrorists. A message that this region will never tolerate any flagellant and brutal assault on innocent lives including wanton destruction of property and critical infrastructure,” he said.
Reading the communiqué, SADC Executive Secretary, Stergomena Lawrence Tax said among others, the 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.
She said the summit agreed to convene an Extra-ordinary Summit by June, 20 2021 to be held in the Republic of Mozambique.
Tax said: “The summit noted progress towards the establishment and operationalization of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), which would enhance regional capabilities in risk and disaster management, and commended the Republic of Mozambique for her commitment to host the centre,”
She said that the summit commended the initiative of Mozambique to organise a Business Forum on the margins of the SADC Summit and invited Member States to participate.
Part of the communiqué expressed sympathy and solidarity with the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the Nyiragongo volcanic eruption in Goma, which caused the destruction of property, loss of life and displacement of people.
The summit has commended President Masisi for spearheading the work of the Organ and President Nyusi for his leadership in coordinating the regional integration agenda, and in mitigating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic
President Chakwera will take over from the current SADC Chairperson, President Nyusi at the 41st SADC summit expected to be hosted by Malawi in August, 2021.
