Tanzania takes over SADC Troika role
HARARE : PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday assumed the new role as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
President Samia took the mantle from her Zambian counterpart, Mr Hakainde Hi- chilema during the 44th SADC Summit held at the New Parliament Building at Mount Hapdeo, in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The Head of State will serve the position for one year.
An Assistant Lecturer at the Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Relations (CFR), Mr Dennis Konga noted the significance of President Samia’s leadership, particularly as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated role.
He believes her appointment will inspire other women in the region and advance gender equity, while underscoring the importance of peace and security for enomic growth and trade within the SADC region.
Ambassador and retired Brigadier General Benard Mndolwa expressed confidence in President Samia’s ability to en- hance Tanzania’s positive image within SADC, building on the legacy of former President Julius Nyerere.
He urged Tanzanians to support President Samia in her efforts to promote peace and security across the African continent. The SADC Organ on Politics Defence and Security is managed on a Troika basis and is responsible for promoting peace and security in the SADC region.
It is mandated to steer and provide Member States with direction regarding matters that threaten peace, security and stability in the Region.
The organ was established to enhance regional cooperation and stability particularly in response to crises affecting member states.
During the summit Zim- babwean President Dr Emer-son Mnangagwa also assumed he SADC Chairmanship.
Dr Mnangagwa took over from Angolan President Joao Laurecao and will serve the position for a one-year term. Mnangagwa thanked the body members for great work done.
He said SADC efforts ushered in a new error of prosperity, good gover- nance and growing economies, terming them as great achievements.
He called on concerted efforts among SADC leaders and citizens to take the body even to higher heights.
The outgoing SADC Chairman, Mr Laurenco, handed over the chairmanship practically by pitching a pin on President Mnangag- wa’s shirt.
In his acceptance speech, the new chairman thanked Laurenco for great leadership.
He asked his predecessor for cooperation and guidance as the SADC moves forward.
He congratulated President Samia for her assumption as a chair of the organ, assuring her of his cooperation.
He said it is time to innovate effective strategies in economy, keeping in mind the Fourth Industrial Revolution, saying no country and no one should be left behind.
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President Laurenco, on his part, talked of necessity to maximise regional economic earnings for the region.
He said industrial drive is key to sustainable development in the region, calling on universities to ensure quality upbringing of human capital for human development and social change.
He called on the private sector to tap the available and coming opportunities in mines, roads, power, water, ITC and others for benefits off all.
He underlined the im- portance of regional integra- tion for the prosperity of the people and the region.
