The SADC Executive Secretary His Excellency, Mr Elias M. Magosi, met with the United Nations (UN) Assistant Secretary General for Africa, Her Excellency Ms Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, during which they deliberated on areas of mutual interest between the two institutions on matters of peace and security as well as democracy and good governance.
The two spoke of the need to enhance the UN and SADC partnership and cooperation, and exchanged views on a number of diplomatic matters. The envoys also exchanged congratulatory messages on their respective appointments.
During the virtual meeting on 21st October 2021, H.E Magosi gave an update on the status of peace and security in the SADC Region highlighting the ongoing engagement of the SADC Standby Force in the Cabo Delgado region in the Republic of Mozambique to counter terrorism insurgents as well as the situation in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
H.E Magosi said that despite security and peace challenges in some SADC Member States, the political and security situation has generally remained stable and peace has prevailed within communities. He said the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) is continuing for another three months and support was sourced from SADC Member States as the activity is Member States-driven particularly on personnel, equipment and financial resources as well as the technical support through deployment of troops.
He also expressed SADC’s appreciation to the support bestowed by the UN and that SADC was open to a continued collaboration and engagement in fostering even stronger mutual relationship between the two inter-governmental bodies.
H.E Magosi said that under the Peace, Security, and Good Governance foundational pillar, the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030 aims to enhance conflict prevention, management, and resolution mechanisms; strengthen political cooperation and enhancing democracy, good governance, rule of law, human rights and human security; and enhance collective defence and security systems capable of safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Region.
In her remarks, H.E Pobee indicated that the UN was willing to continue its good work and support regional activities with the aid of the SADC leadership highlighting the positive endeavours the Region has so far put across in addressing issues of peace and security. She emphasised that the UN has worked with the Region on conflict prevention and mediation to strengthen the SADC security framework and regional early warning systems, as well as provision of strategic and technical support to regional initiatives, including providing technical expertise on electoral support and facilitating implementation of the Southern Africa Counter-Terrorism Strategy and related projects.
She also applauded the Region for its initiatives regarding efforts to maintain peace and the rule of law and assured the UN’s commitment and unwavering support on matters not just confined to peace and security but on human development aspects, human rights and rule of law as well as counter illicit trafficking.
The parties agreed to continue meaningful engagements and that technical teams would commence work and carry out mutual agenda as prescribed by the organisations.
United Nations Assistant Secretary General for Africa was accompanied by Director Central and Southern Africa Division, Michael Kingsley-Nyinah; Head of the United Nations Department of Political and Peace building Affairs Liaison Team to SADC, Mr Martinho Chachiua; the United Nations Department of Political and Peace building Affairs desk officer for Botswana and SADC, Mr. Amit Singhal; and Political Affairs Officers, Mr Arthur Sessink, Mr Lipuo; and Ms Zaharau Shuaibu Shariff.
The SADC Executive Secretary was accompanied by the Acting Senior Officer for Politics and Diplomacy, and Coordinator of the SADC Peace and Security Programme, Dr Kondwani Chirambo; Logistics Officer for Defence Affairs at the SADC Secretariat Commander Fillipus Nghilondwa; and the Executive Assistant to the Executive Secretary, Ms Kelejwang Moichubedi.
