The Ministerial Committee of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation has reaffirmed the importance of regional solidarity, preventive diplomacy, mediation, and coordinated responses to emerging political and security challenges in the SADC region.
Ministers from the SADC Organ Troika Member States namely the Republic of Malawi, Kingdom of Eswatini and the United Republic of Tanzania met on 15 August 2026 in Durban, South Africa, to review political, defence and security developments in the region.
Chairperson of the MCO, Honourable Dr. George T. Chaponda, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation underscored the need for collective action in addressing the complex and interconnected challenges facing the region, guided by the principles of the SADC Treaty and the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Honourable Dr. Chaponda commended the United Republic of Tanzania for its contribution during its tenure in the Organ Troika, particularly during periods marked by peace support operations and regional security challenges. He welcomed the Kingdom of Eswatini as the incoming Chair of the Organ and pledged Malawi’s support for its leadership.
On his part, the SADC Executive Secretary His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi noted that while the region remains largely peaceful and stable, continued attention is needed to support lasting peace and stability in Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He commended the Panel of Elders and the Mediation Reference Group for spearheading SADC’s mediation efforts in Madagascar following political changes in 2025.
The Executive Secretary called for continued regional unity, vigilance, and cooperation to address emerging political and security challenges and to safeguard peace as a foundation for sustainable development and regional integration.
The outcomes of the meeting of the MCO will be presented to the Organ Troika Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government of the Organ Troika which will take place on today, (16 August).