The 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) ordinary summit in Harare defied local controversies, including the jailing of opposition activists and calls to move the event, by achieving remarkable attendance. It was one of the most well-attended summits in recent years, with only three leaders—Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, Comoros’ Azali Assoumani, and Mauritius’ Prithvirajsing Roopun—missing from the gathering.
This year’s summit, which took place under the theme “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialised SADC,” highlighted the region’s potential and challenges. Claver Gatete, the UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, addressed delegates, emphasizing the SADC region’s vast natural resources and the importance of developing homegrown solutions. Gatete called for innovative financing and domestic resource mobilization to support sustainable development, positioning SADC as a potential leader in these areas.
The summit comes amidst a trade dispute between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which recently led to Zambia closing its borders in response to trade issues. Both nations are members of Comesa and SADC but are not bound by the trade agreements of these organizations, relying instead on a 2015 bilateral agreement.
Politics
SADC Withdraws Eswatini’s Political and Security Matters from Troika Discussions
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has decided to exclude Eswatini’s political and security issues from the agenda of the Troika Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation. This move comes as SADC leaders acknowledged the “positive progress” in the kingdom, as reported by King Mswati III.
The decision to remove Eswatini from the Troika’s discussions was endorsed by the leaders, who also praised King Mswati III, his government, and the citizens of Eswatini for their achievements in addressing these concerns.
King Mswati III had previously shown a preference to avoid discussions about his kingdom, delegating Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini to represent Eswatini at the SADC extraordinary summit in Windhoek, Namibia, in January 2023. This was in the wake of the assassination of pro-democracy activist Thulani Maseko, for which no arrests have been made, with accusations directed at the Eswatini regime.
In contrast, Lesotho’s Prime Minister Sam Matekane left the summit with a positive outlook after SADC recognized his government’s progress on political reforms. He has been urged to quickly pass the Omnibus Bill, which includes the 10th, 11th, and 12th Amendments to the Constitution, to address a longstanding crisis rooted in events preceding the 2014 coup. The SADC Panel of Elders, led by former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, is aiding Lesotho in advancing these legislative changes.
Election Updates and Leadership Changes
The Summit acknowledged the successful completion of elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Madagascar, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. However, the earlier elections held in Comoros in January were not covered in the discussions.
Upcoming elections are scheduled for Botswana and Mozambique in October, Namibia in November, and Mauritius at a date yet to be set.
Delegates said farewell to Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, who attended his final summit before his term concludes in two months. His contributions to SADC were recognized and appreciated.
Namibia’s interim President Nangolo Mbumba also attended his sole summit, as his tenure will end in November.
Security Developments and Regional Appointments
Angolan President João Lourenço delivered an update on the DRC situation, noting progress in the crisis resolution efforts. As part of the Luanda Peace Process, Lourenço held separate meetings with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi before the Summit. He announced that discussions between the two governments were scheduled to resume on August 20, following the review of a proposed peace plan.
Lourenço reported that Angola has presented a draft peace agreement to both Rwanda and the DRC, which will be discussed and negotiated by their ministers on August 20.
The SADC Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC), which includes South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi, is actively engaged in combatting M23 rebels in eastern DRC, who are suspected of receiving support from Rwanda. The bloc expressed gratitude for the support from the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council, which recently approved logistical and technical aid for SAMIDRC, despite Rwanda’s concerns that this could lead to broader regional conflict.
Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa has assumed the chairmanship of SADC, a role he will hold until the next summit when he will hand over to Madagascar’s Andry Rajoelina. Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan has taken over the leadership of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation from Hichilema. Malawi joins the troika as a new member, while Zambia continues as the outgoing chair.