SADC ministers meet to address regional security, DRC conflict and organised crime

Staff Reporter

SADC ministers responsible for politics, defence and security have convened in Salima, Malawi, to review regional peace and security, with conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and governance among the key issues on the agenda.

The 28th Ordinary Meeting of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, held on Thursday, brought together foreign ministers, senior officials and security chiefs from across the region to assess progress on regional security programmes and strengthen cooperation in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Opening the meeting, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi said Southern Africa remained one of the continent’s most peaceful and resilient regions, but warned that peace and security could not be taken for granted.

“As we meet today, we do so with both pride and purpose. Pride, because our region remains one of the most peaceful and resilient regions on our continent. And purpose, because peace, security and prosperity can never be taken for granted,” Magosi said.