SALIMA: THE security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar and Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province has taken centre stage at a high-level SADC meeting as regional experts seek ways to strengthen peace and stability in Southern Africa.
The 28th Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation at experts’ level opened today in Salima, Malawi, bringing together officials to discuss pressing political, defence and security challenges affecting the region.
According to information from the ministry for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the meeting is expected to assess the security situation in conflict-affected areas and review measures aimed at enhancing regional cooperation, democratic governance and peace-building efforts among SADC member states.
Tanzania’s delegation is being led by Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Said Shaib Mussa, accompanied by Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr Maduhu Kazi, and representatives from defence and security organs.
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The ministry added that during the meeting, delegates will also review progress in implementing previous decisions of the SADC Organ, including initiatives aimed at preserving the region’s liberation history and strengthening awareness of the contributions of its founding leaders.
Among the issues being considered is the distribution of publications by the late Brigadier General Hashim Mbita, which have been translated into Kiswahili for wider access among SADC member states.
The meeting is also expected to discuss the production of a documentary on Brigadier General Mbita and plans to honour the history of SADC founders through initiatives such as establishing museums and preserving historical records.
Officials said the efforts are aimed at ensuring that the region’s liberation history is protected and passed on to current and future generations across SADC and beyond.
The experts’ meeting will pave the way for the ministerial-level session of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation scheduled for July 16 and 17, 2026, also in Salima, where Tanzania will participate.