The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has once again called for the removal of the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western countries. This appeal was reiterated at the 44th SADC Summit held at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden on Saturday.
During the summit, SADC Executive Secretary Mr. Elias Magosi presented a communiqué summarizing the discussions and resolutions made by the regional Heads of State and Government. The most significant resolution from the summit was the renewed call for the unconditional lifting of sanctions on Zimbabwe, a topic previously addressed during the 39th Summit.
Magosi highlighted the profound impact these sanctions have had on the ordinary citizens of Zimbabwe. “SADC also reiterated the call made during the 39th Summit for the unconditional removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and acknowledged their impact on the ordinary citizenry,” he stated.
On the economic front, SADC took a notable step by acknowledging the full implementation of the Tripartite Free Trade Area Agreement (TFTA). The agreement, which encompasses the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), aims to create a larger, more integrated market. Magosi urged member states to leverage this expanded market to boost regional economic growth.
In addition, SADC adopted and signed a declaration focused on the protection of people with albinism. This declaration underscores the commitment of Southern African nations to address and resolve the unique challenges faced by individuals with albinism at both national and regional levels.
The summit also addressed health concerns, particularly the declaration by the United Nations of Mpox as a public health emergency. SADC members were urged to enhance surveillance, diagnostic testing, and clinical care in response to the outbreak. An urgent meeting of health ministers has been scheduled to evaluate the situation and coordinate a regional response.
Other notable discussions included the acknowledgment of climate change impacts, condemnation of mass killings in Palestine, and recognition of peaceful elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Madagascar, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The summit concluded with a strong message of unity and collective action, reinforcing SADC’s commitment to addressing both regional and global challenges through cooperation and solidarity.
In other news – Chamisa slams SADC for endorsing Mnangagwa
Prominent Zimbabwean opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has sharply criticized the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for endorsing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership by appointing him as the bloc’s chairman. Mnangagwa officially took over the role during a ceremony at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, Harare, succeeding Angola’s President João Lourenço.
Chamisa, the former leader of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), took to social media to question the integrity of SADC, asking if the organization was merely a “community of values or a union of vices.” Read More
