Sadc extraordinary Summit unfolds in Zimbabwe

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has convened an extraordinary summit in Harare to address escalating political and security challenges in the region, with a focus on Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Botswana, and Namibia. The summit, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, began with preliminary meetings yesterday and will culminate in a Heads of State and Government gathering on Wednesday.

Regional Political Turmoil

The summit is taking place against the backdrop of significant political shifts and unrest in Southern Africa.

In Mozambique, the controversial landslide victory of President Daniel Chapo and his ruling Frelimo party has triggered widespread protests over alleged electoral fraud, corruption, and governance failures. The situation has rapidly deteriorated following the assassination of opposition figures, including lawyer Elvino Dias and parliamentary candidate Paulo Guambe, leading to clashes that have claimed about 50 lives.

Opposition leader Valencio Mondlane, who has fled to South Africa following an assassination attempt, has called for sustained protests until November 15. The unrest threatens regional stability, particularly for Zimbabwe, whose economy heavily relies on the Beira Corridor for trade.

In the DRC, the security situation in North Kivu and Ituri provinces has worsened. Armed conflicts have displaced hundreds of thousands, adding to the country's decades-long humanitarian crisis. The SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), deployed in December 2023, is nearing the end of its mandate, and discussions will focus on extending its efforts to restore peace and stability.
Shifting Political Dynamics

The summit is also addressing the changing political landscape in Botswana and Namibia.

Botswana's recent elections saw the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lose power after 58 years, with President Duma Boko and his Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) winning by a landslide. This outcome has unsettled liberation movements in the region, including Mnangagwa's Zanu PF, which had allied with the defeated BDP leader, Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Namibia, heading to elections on November 27, is witnessing similar anxieties, with fears that the ruling Swapo party could face defeat.

The rise of opposition parties in countries such as Botswana, Zambia, and Malawi has signaled a regional shift away from liberation-era ruling parties. This shift has left Mnangagwa and other leaders scrambling to adapt their diplomatic strategies.
SADC's Agenda

Key discussions during the summit will include:

Mozambique: Addressing post-election violence, opposition grievances, and the broader impact of the Cabo Delgado insurgency. DRC: Reviewing the SAMIDRC mission's progress and deciding on the next steps to address ongoing conflicts. Regional Politics: Navigating the changing political dynamics in Botswana and Namibia to maintain stability and foster cooperation. Economic and Trade Issues: Ensuring the stability of trade corridors and regional economic initiatives disrupted by conflicts.

In a statement, SADC reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in the region:

"The Extraordinary Summit will review the security situation in the Eastern part of the DRC and receive updates on regional efforts to address conflicts and restore peace and stability to pave the way for sustainable development."

Key Participants

The summit is being led by Mnangagwa, assisted by Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina, the incoming SADC chair, and former chair Angolan President João Lourenço. Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia, members of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, will also play critical roles in deliberations.

As SADC leaders deliberate in Harare, the region faces a pivotal moment. The outcome of these discussions could shape Southern Africa's approach to political and security challenges in the coming years, with the potential to stabilize or further unsettle an already volatile region.