DURBAN: THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has praised Tanzania for its contribution to regional peace and security during its three-year tenure in the bloc’s Organ Troika, including its chairmanship from 2024 to 2025.
Malawi’s Second Vice-President Enoch Kanzingeni Chihana, speaking at the close of the SADC Organ Troika Summit in Durban on Sunday, thanked Tanzania for its leadership during a period of major security challenges, particularly in Mozambique and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Before I conclude my remarks, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the United Republic of Tanzania for the excellent manner in which they served the Organ during their three-year tenure of Troika membership, which included chairing the Organ from 2024 to 2025,” said Mr Chihana.
He also cited Tanzania’s role in leading SADC Electoral Observation Missions to elections in the region.
Tanzania’s Minister for Defence and National Service Rhimo Nyansaho, who represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the summit, thanked member states for their cooperation during Tanzania’s tenure.
He said SADC’s coordinated response to security challenges demonstrated the bloc’s commitment to resolving conflicts peacefully in line with the SADC Treaty.
“The swift measures coordinated by the community in addressing security challenges demonstrate our collective commitment to resolving conflicts peacefully, in line with the principles outlined in the SADC Treaty,” said Mr Nyansaho.
He said support from member states had enabled Tanzania to carry out its responsibilities in the Troika and strengthened solidarity within the regional bloc.
Malawi’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister George Chaponda also thanked Tanzania on Saturday for its commitment during its three years in the Troika.
“Let me, in a special way, thank the United Republic of Tanzania for her commitment during the three years of serving the region as a member of the Organ Troika,” said Mr Chaponda.
He said Tanzania had contributed to the Organ during a period marked by complex security challenges, including peace support operations and situations requiring regional coordination.
Malawi’s Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Chauncy Simwaka, separately described Tanzania as a key pillar of the Organ Troika during Malawi’s tenure as chair.
The recognition comes as SADC prepares for a change in leadership of the Organ. The Troika consists of the current, incoming and outgoing chairs of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The Durban meetings preceded the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and government, where regional leaders are considering issues including peace and security, regional integration and socio-economic development.
