The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation has endorsed a comprehensive programme aimed at strengthening peace and security,
promoting democratic governance, improving migration management, combating corruption and organised crime, and preserving the region’s liberation heritage.
The resolutions were adopted during the 28th Session of the Ministerial Committee, 
held in Salima, Malawi, from July 16 to 17, 2026, where ministers reviewed progress on regional political, security and governance initiatives while reaffirming SADC’s commitment to stability,
integration and sustainable development. The meeting identified several priority areas that ministers said were essential to building a peaceful, resilient and prosperous Southern African region.
These included conflict prevention and mediation, democratic governance, migration management, anti-corruption initiatives, counter-terrorism cooperation and coordinated humanitarian responses.
Ministers agreed that lasting peace and development would require stronger institutions, closer regional cooperation and continued respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Regional security developments also featured prominently during the discussions.
Ministers reviewed the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and extended condolences to the government and people of the DRC following the Ebola outbreak in the region.
They called for coordinated humanitarian and public health interventions while emphasising the importance of regional solidarity and timely information sharing.
The Committee also acknowledged Madagascar’s appeal for inclusive dialogue and peaceful engagement in resolving political differences, encouraging member states to continue fostering constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.
On developments in Mozambique, ministers welcomed progress made through the country’s Inclusive National Dialogue process.
They applauded the signing of the Political Commitment for an Inclusive National Dialogue, describing it as an important milestone towards national reconciliation, social cohesion and long-term stability.
Looking beyond immediate political and security concerns, the ministers identified climate-induced food insecurity, unemployment, poverty, public health challenges and growing geopolitical instability among the region’s most pressing issues.
To respond to these challenges, they called for accelerated industrialisation, increased value addition to locally produced goods,
expansion of intra-regional trade and reduced dependence on external markets.
Particular attention was given to developing a regional strategy for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel,
recognising their strategic importance in industrial development and the global transition to clean energy.
The Committee further endorsed measures aimed at strengthening the region’s ability to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
These include the establishment of National Counter-Terrorism Centres, enhanced intelligence sharing among member states,
expanded specialised security training and closer collaboration between regional security agencies.
While reinforcing regional security, ministers stressed that all counter-terrorism initiatives must continue to uphold human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.
Eswatini’s delegation was led by Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu, who attended the meeting in her capacity as Incoming Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ.
Shakantu expressed appreciation for the work undertaken by Eswatini’s technical delegation and said the Kingdom was ready to assume its responsibilities when His Majesty King Mswati III takes over the Chairmanship of the SADC Organ at the next Summit.
She said the resolutions adopted during the meeting reflected SADC’s continued commitment to preserving regional peace and security, strengthening
democratic governance, promoting economic resilience and advancing regional integration for the benefit of the people of Southern Africa.
