Sadc leaders send reps to Zimbabwe Summit

Harare is hosting the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Extraordinary Summit today, with up to 10 heads of state and government sending representatives to the crucial meeting. The summit, which brings together leaders from across the 16-member bloc, is expected to focus on political developments in the region, including the ongoing violence in Eastern Congo, but experts argue that the crisis in Mozambique should also be addressed.

The violence in Eastern Congo, which has intensified in recent months, is set to be a primary focus of the discussions. The SADC leaders will review the progress of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and discuss potential strategies to stabilize the region. The DRC has been grappling with armed insurgencies in its eastern provinces, which have caused widespread displacement and loss of life.

However, although the Mozambican crisis is not officially on the summit's agenda, many experts warn that the escalating situation in Mozambique should not be overlooked. Recent clashes, which erupted after the announcement of Frelimo's Daniel Chapo winning the presidency with more than 70% of the votes, have resulted in over 30 deaths. The violence has raised concerns about the stability of the country, and observers are calling for regional leaders to address the situation.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will chair the summit, which is expected to see the participation of several prominent leaders from the region. The heads of state of Namibia, Malawi, Comoros, Lesotho, Tanzania, Angola, Eswatini, Seychelles, and South Africa will be represented at the event. Additionally, newly-elected Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina, and the DRC's President Tshisekedi Tshilombo are among those attending. Outgoing Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi is also expected to be present.

As of yesterday evening, the attendance of Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema and Mauritius's President Prithvirajsing Roopun had not been confirmed, though several representatives from other member states had already arrived in Harare since Saturday.

The SADC Secretariat released a statement outlining the summit's objectives, which include reviewing the security situation in the region, with a particular emphasis on the DRC. "The summit will receive an update on the progress of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo," the statement said.

On Monday, the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation issued a statement congratulating Frelimo on its electoral victory, despite the dispute over the results. The organization called on all political stakeholders in Mozambique to remain calm and exercise restraint as the electoral process is finalized.

Ahead of the summit, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere confirmed that all preparations for the event had been completed successfully. "The Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government has commenced with meetings of senior officials of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics and the Ministerial Committee of the Organ," Muswere said during a cabinet briefing.

He also provided an update on the Lake Tugwi-Mukosi Combination master plan, which is set to expedite efforts to address regional food security issues, particularly relating to land, water, fisheries, and other related developments.

The summit is expected to conclude on November 20, with key discussions likely to influence the future of security, economic integration, and regional cooperation within SADC.