Sadc communiqué on Pretoria summit on Zimbabwe, DRC, Madagascar

The Summit of the Troika of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation plus Mozambique was held in Pretoria, South Africa on 20 July, 2013.

PRETORIA

2. The Summit was chaired by His Excellency President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of the Organ on Politics,

Defence and Security Cooperation.

3. The Summit was attended by the following Heads of State and Government or their representatives:
Mozambique - H.E. Armando Emilio Guebuza, President of the Republic of Mozambique and Chairperson of SADC
South Africa - H.E. Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa
Tanzania - H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania
Namibia - Hon. Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwa Minister of Foreign Affairs

4. The Summit was also attended by the Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salomao.

5. Summit considered the political and security situation in the region, in particular the latest development in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Madagascar and the Republic of Zimbabwe.

6. On the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
6.1 The Summit noted the progress made towards the deployment of the Intervention Brigade in Eastern DRC and commended other Member States for the support rendered in ensuring stability in the country.
6.2 The Summit further noted the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Eastern DRC following the recent clashes and called on the International Community and all partners to assist the general population which has suffered from this conflict.

7. On the Republic of Madagascar
7.1 The Summit commended the former President of the Republic Mozambique and SADC Mediator on Madagascar crisis, H.E. Joaquim Chissano and the International Contact Group for their efforts in ensuring the country is brought back to constitutional normalcy.
7.2 The Summit called upon the Independent National Election Commission (CENIT) to come up with a new electoral calendar in order to allow the electoral process to commence as a matter of urgency.

8. On the Republic of Zimbabwe
8.1 The Summit was pleased to note that all the political parties have committed themselves to ensuring that the forthcoming elections are held in a peaceful environment. Summit encouraged the Government, all political parties and leaders to continue with these commendable efforts which will help realize credible elections.
8.2 The Summit commended the Government of Zimbabwe for extending an invitation to SADC Member States to deploy election observers and the manner in which these Observer Mission has been received in Zimbabwe.
8.3 The Summit commended H.E. Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa and SADC Facilitator for his tireless efforts in ensuring that the Zimbabwe political stakeholders hold successful elections.
8.4 The Summit noted the problems that arose during the special vote on 14-15 July 2013 and would like to commend ZEC for taking these up as challenges to be overcome on the 31st of July, and called upon all political parties to cooperate as fully as possible with ZEC in order to ensure that it is able to meet these challenges.

9. The Summit congratulated H.E. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Former President of the Republic of South Africa for his 95th birthday and wished him a quick recovery.

10. The Summit appreciated the support extended to the former President of the Republic of South Africa by the Government and the people of South Africa.

11. The Summit expressed its appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa for the warm hospitality extended to all delegates and facilities placed at their disposal that made the Summit a success.
Done in
Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
July 20, 2013