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One of the most topical issues on the agenda of the Southern African Development Community-European Union (SADC-EU) Ministerial Partnership Dialogue in Harare, Zimbabwe today is peace and security.
In his opening remarks, Zimbbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira, and Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers said the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020-2030) identifies peace and security as the foundation pillar of its regional integration and sustainable developmental aspirations.
“We are, therefore, confident that our deliberations today will reflect on these issues and offer sustainable and lasting solutions. As SADC, we are concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the Eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is our fervent hope that the peace efforts that have been deployed thus far, will lead to durable peace that the people of DRC so deserve,” Prof Murwira said.
He commended the the EU for its commitment to partnering with Africa, and the SADC region in their pursuit of sustainable socio-economic transformation.
“The commitments pronounced through the Africa-Europe Global Gateway Investment Package, adopted during the 6th AU-EU Summit, provide excellent avenues for enhancing investment cooperation in the areas of Digital Transition, Climate and Energy, Transport, Health and Education.
“We, also, appreciate that the recently concluded Mid-Term Review of the Multiannual Indicative Programme for Sub Saharan Africa (MIP SSA) established a dedicated envelope of Support to Investment, which replaces the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD+). We believe this transition will enhance the sustainable financing of the Global Gateway, which is aligned with our RISDP 2020-2030,” Prof Murwira added.
The Minister said the issue of climate change is also exposing the SADC region to adverse weather events including the El Niño induced drought and Cyclones that have resulted in floods and devastation in the Region. To this end, on 20 May 2024, SADC Heads of State and Government launched a US$5.5 billion Humanitarian Appeal to galvanise support for humanitarian relief and disaster response recovery for the affected people, especially the vulnerable. The SADC Humanitarian Appeal is aimed at augmenting the domestic resources of the affected Member States.
He called upon Partners to support SADC’s health financing, including research and development and urged governments in the SADC region to move towards financing health from domestic resource allocation to ensure the sustainability of public health services.
He added that in addressing some of the tropical diseases, the global health community including the World Health Organisation, is piloting the roll out of vaccines for malaria and cholera. In order for the SADC Region to mount effective interventions against health emergencies, adequate vaccine manufacturing is key.
In his speech, Hon. Radosław Sikorski, and Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Poland and Co-Chairperson of the SADC-EU Ministerial Partnership Dialogue said the the EU is a firm supporter of regional integration, being itself a successful example that has brought peace and prosperity to their continent.
“We are looking forward to strengthening our partnership to new levels through closer dialogue on political and security matters, and through the Global Gateway initiative. Co-chair, colleagues, the joint statement of our Dialogue shows that our partnership encompasses today’s challenges and requires action at multilateral, regional as well as bilateral level. We see democracy and rule of law challenged as rarely before in recent history.
“As SADC did, the EU deployed several Electoral Observation Missions over the past years, and I would like to thank the SADC for the very good cooperation on that front too. The EU will continue to support regionally-led solutions to the challenges faced by the region, supporting your processes, and putting local ownership and inclusivity at the top of our agenda. One of the challenges your region is facing is the drought which has heavily impacted your populations. While the current El Niño cycle has come to an end, the consequences will be felt for months to come, with the hunger crisis likely to worsen in some countries and persist until the next harvest season (April/May 2025). The EU is very concerned and closely follows the situation. Co-chair, today’s Ministerial Dialogue will give us the opportunity to discuss how we can be stronger together,” he said.
