Some Sadc leaders boycott extraordinary indaba in Zimbabwe?

Heads of State and Government, along with high-ranking representatives, have begun arriving in Harare for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Extraordinary Summit set to be chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Eswatini Prime Minister Russel Mmiso Dlamini, Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Angolan Defence Minister João Ernesto Santos, and Seychelles Minister of Internal Affairs Charles Errol Fonseka touched down in the Zimbabwean capital yesterday. More leaders, including Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko, Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina, and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, are expected today.

Focus of the Summit
The summit, running from November 16 to 20, aims to address pressing regional issues, including peace and security, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as advancing SADC's industrialisation agenda.

A statement from the SADC Secretariat emphasized the significance of the meeting, highlighting the deployment of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) as part of efforts to restore peace and stability in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the DRC. The mission, initiated in December 2023, is nearing the conclusion of its one-year mandate and will provide a progress report during the summit.

"The Extraordinary Summit will review the security situation in the region, with a focus on the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The summit will also assess the progress made by SAMIDRC," said the SADC Secretariat.
High-Level Preparations

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere confirmed the readiness to host the summit, noting that preparations are on track. "Heads of State and Government have confirmed their attendance. Preparations for hosting the SADC Extraordinary Summit are on course for a successful event," he said during a post-Cabinet briefing.

The summit is preceded by preparatory meetings, including the SADC Council of Ministers on Monday and the Ministerial Committee of the Organ Troika on Tuesday.
Regional Cooperation

The Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit, chaired by Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, will provide a platform for member states to deliberate on political, defense, and security cooperation within the bloc.

South Africa, represented by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and security, with the country playing a key role in SAMIDRC and broader SADC initiatives.

"South Africa continues to play an important role in efforts to bring about peace and security in the SADC region," said a statement from the South African Presidency.
Warm Welcomes

The arriving dignitaries received a warm reception at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. Eswatini's Prime Minister was welcomed by Skills Audit Minister Paul Mavima, Angola's Defence Minister by Angolan Ambassador Pedro Neto, and Zanzibar's President by Zimbabwe's Attorney-General Mrs. Virginia Mabiza.

The summit underscores the region's commitment to addressing shared challenges and advancing collective goals, with Harare poised to host productive deliberations over the coming days.