The President of the Republic of Angola, and Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation, His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, received a brief on the Political Situation in the SADC Region from the SADC Executive Secretary, Her Excellency Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, on 28th February 2018, in Luanda, Republic of Angola. During the briefing Mission, the SADC Executive Secretary also met the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Angola, and Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) Honorable Manuel Domingos Augusto.
The Chairperson of the Organ received a report on progress made towards the implementation of the SADC decisions in the Kingdom of Lesotho, including the milestones recorded by the SADC Preventive Mission in Lesotho (SAPMIL). The briefing further appraised the Chairperson of the Organ on the implementation of SADC decisions with regard to SADC support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in its preparations for the holding of national elections in December 2018. The Executive Secretary also briefed the Chairperson on the upcoming elections in the Region and the SADC’s role in observing these elections, and in the consolidation of democracy.
The Chairperson of the Organ noted with appreciation that the region remains politically stable and peaceful. In relation to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Chairperson welcomed the progress made in rolling out the electoral calendar for elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which are scheduled to take place on 23rd December, 2018. The Chairperson re-affirmed SADC’s support to the DRC, and encouraged the Government and all stakeholders in the DRC to ensure that credible elections take place as planned, and in a peaceful manner. To this end, the Chairperson, called upon people of DRC, the international community and all stakeholders in the DRC to continue providing the needed support to the electoral processes, and to refrain from any form of violence.
With regards to the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Chairperson of the Organ noted with appreciation that the situation in the Kingdom remains stable and peaceful. He commended the progress made by Lesotho, as well as the SAPMIL, and the SADC Oversight Committee for supporting the Kingdom of Lesotho to sustain peace and stability, and in the implementation of SADC decisions. While commending the Government of Lesotho, and all stakeholders for progress made, and efforts taken, the Chairperson of the Organ noted with concern the slow progress in the implementation the earmarked reforms, and National Dialogue; and noted the challenges surrounding the slow progress. He therefore, undertook to consult and put in place urgent and effective measures that will expedite the national dialogue and the implementation of the reforms. He further, appreciated the readiness by International Cooperating Partners such as, the United Nations and the European Union to support the ongoing reforms, and the national dialogue in the Kingdom of Lesotho.
The Executive Secretary further conveyed to the Chairperson, appreciations by the Government and people of Lesotho to SADC for the deployment of the Oversight Committee and the SADC Preventive Mission (SAPMIL), which have contributed to the sustenance of stability, and peace and security.
Regarding elections in the Region, the Executive Secretary informed the Chairperson of the Organ on the upcoming elections in the region, including in the Republics of Madagascar and Zimbabwe.
Done on 28th February, 2018
Luanda, Angola.
