The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat convened the Third Technical Committee (TC) Meeting of the Enhancing the Capability and Effectiveness of SADC’s Peace and Security Architecture (ECESPA) Programme on 27 February 2026 in Mahalapye, Botswana, reaffirming the Region’s commitment to promoting peace, security, stability, and democratic governance.
The meeting brought together Members of the SADC Organ Troika, comprising the Republic of Malawi (Chair), the Kingdom of Eswatini (Incoming Chair), and the United Republic ofTanzania (Outgoing Chair), alongside representatives of the European Union Delegation to Botswana and SADC, and officials from the SADC Secretariat.
In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Kula I. Theletsane, Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs, highlighted the strategic value of the ECESPA Programme, launched in June 2024, in strengthening SADC’s peace and security mechanisms.
He emphasised that the Programme is aligned with the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030 and SADC Vision 2050, which position peace and security as foundational pillars for deeper regional integration and sustainable development.
Prof. Theletsane further underscored that the Technical Committee is the central platform for reviewing progress, assessing financial and programmatic performance, monitoring risks, and ensuring full alignment with agreed priorities.
He expressed deep appreciation to the European Union for its continued financial and technical support, describing the EU as a steadfast partner in advancing peace and security across the Region.
Delivering opening remarks on behalf of the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Mr. Memory Chibwana of the Republic of Malawi commended the progress made to date.
He noted that with the Programme approaching its mid‑term implementation milestone, the meeting offered an important opportunity to review achievements, address any emerging challenges, and ensure that implementation remains on course.
He highlighted ECESPA’s ongoing efforts to support Member States in strengthening early warning systems, enhancing mediation and conflict‑prevention mechanisms, and fostering research collaborations with Think Tanks to promote coordinated, evidence-based responses to emerging threats.
The meeting concluded with a call to accelerate implementation and expand technical support to Member States during the remaining programme period.
Delegates reaffirmed that sustained collaboration, strategic oversight, and strong partnerships remain essential to ensuring that SADC’s Peace and Security Architecture continues to respond effectively to evolving regional dynamics.
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