By Phephile Motau
Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini has reiterated the importance of ‘silencing the guns’ as per calls by the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Summit.
This was during a courtesy visit from the Chairperson of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Agreement (SARPCCO) Lieutenant General Joseph Shimweelao Shikongo.
Lieutenant General Shikongo is also the Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force. He is currently in the country to evaluate and monitor the country’s performance concerning the implementation of the agreed International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and SARPCCO Resolutions and Decisions.
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According to a statement from the government, among other things discussed was the Agreement Amending the SADC Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition, and Other Related Materials taken in August 2020 which the SADC Member States were encouraged to sign, and the upcoming national elections.
Lieutenant General Shikongo reported that only five SADC Member States had since signed the Agreement Amending the Protocol, with Namibia currently in the process of signing.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said he also encouraged the Kingdom of Eswatini to continue observing the Africa Amnesty Month in September each year, which has been declared as a month in which individuals and groups who surrender their illegally owned weapons/arms will not be subjected to disclosure, humiliation, arrest, or prosecution in sync with the Africa Amnesty Month and Article (b) of the SADC Protocol.
“Also discussed was the implementation of the Integrated Strategy to prevent and combat transnational organised crimes in the SADC Region as well as its implementation Plan,” she said.
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Lt. General Shikongo applauded Eswatini for doing well in meeting INTERPOL standards, noting that there was room for improvement though.
The PM, on the other hand, welcomed the SARPCCO Chairperson to the Kingdom of Eswatini. He also appreciated the role played by SARPCCO in the coordination of cross-border issues within the police service.
Dlamini further assured the visiting SARPCCO Chairperson of a safe and secure stay in the country and noted how emaSwati were recognising the role played by police officers in the country.
