SADC prioritises peace, security and stability in Southern Africa – SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa’s news leader.

Peace, security and stability remain at the heart of Southern African Development Community (SADC)’s agenda as regional leaders work to strengthen cooperation across southern Africa.

The 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government is currently taking place at the Durban International Convention Centre.

SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi, addressing the Politics, Defence and Security organ committee, says the outcomes of the high-level discussions are expected to reinforce the bloc’s commitment to maintaining peace, warning that sustainable development and economic prosperity cannot flourish without stability.

“Despite worldwide uncertainties, our region remains mostly peaceful and stable. While we enjoy relative peace and security, we continue to focus on political and security developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Madagascar. Working diligently to support these SADC member states to achieve lasting peace, stability and security,” says Magosi.

Meanwhile, the incoming chair of the SADC Troika on Politics, Defence and Security, Dr George Chaponda, says dialogue and solidarity will help the region to maintain peace and stability.

Chaponda, also Malawi’s Foreign Affairs Minister, says ministerial meetings allow the interrogation of what the region needs to deal with security challenges.

He has been addressing the committee at the SADC summit currently underway in Durban.

“We believe that the regional challenges were coordinated timely, and African-led responses were guided by respect for sovereignty, socialism, the rule of law and the welfare of the people.”