Pretoria:President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger and more effective institutions within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to enhance regional integration, consolidate peace and stability, and improve the lives of individuals across the region.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa addressed the Virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, emphasizing the need for the organization to move swiftly from agreements to implementation and from strategies to measurable results. The summit, held two months after the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in Durban, aimed to address leadership and institutional issues, such as appointing a Deputy Executive Secretary responsible for Regional Integration and electing the incoming Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of leadership decisions in strengthening SADC's institutional capacity and advancing its Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 and Vision 2050. He highlighted the necessity of regional integration delivering tangible benefits to citizens, including employment opportunities, enhanced transport and energy networks, and increased trade and economic opportunities.
The President also addressed ongoing instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, advocating for regional cooperation to achieve peace. He called for continued support for inclusive dialogue and institutional reform in Madagascar and acknowledged efforts to promote peace and security in Mozambique, particularly in combating terrorism in Cabo Delgado.
Climate resilience and disaster preparedness were also focal points, with President Ramaphosa noting the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters in Southern Africa. He urged for stronger regional disaster preparedness, improved early warning systems, and investment in climate-resilient infrastructure. He congratulated Mozambique's President Daniel Francisco Chapo for organizing the International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in Africa, highlighting the need for cooperation in disaster risk management.
President Ramaphosa concluded by calling for capable regional institutions that could offer leadership and practical solutions, reinforcing solidarity and mutual respect among SADC member states. He expressed confidence in member states making decisions to strengthen the organization and serve the region's people effectively.