SADC Troika calls for peace

Durban, South Africa – The SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation has called for continued regional efforts to protect peace, security and democratic governance in Southern Africa.

The call was made during the Organ Troika Summit held in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday, 16 August 2026, ahead of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.

The meeting brought together representatives from Malawi, Tanzania and Eswatini, with discussions focused on political and security developments affecting the region.

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Malawi’s Second Vice President Enock Kanzingeni Chihana opened the summit while representing President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, the chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

Chihana called for unity, dialogue and collective action in dealing with regional challenges. He said decisions taken during the meeting would strengthen SADC’s role in protecting peace, constitutional order and democratic governance.

He also paid tribute to Tanzania’s outgoing chairperson, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for her contribution to regional peace initiatives.

King Mswati III of Eswatini is the incoming chairperson of the SADC Organ. He was represented at the summit by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu.

Tanzania’s outgoing chairperson was represented by Minister of Defence and National Service Dr Rhimo Nyansaho.

SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi said the region remained generally stable and free from conflict between states, although political and security challenges persisted in some areas.

He referred to progress made through preventive diplomacy, mediation and dialogue, and called for continued regional engagement to address unresolved conflicts.

Magosi also reiterated SADC’s support for a lasting political solution to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He commended member states for their solidarity in responding to health emergencies and humanitarian crises affecting the region.

The Organ Troika is one of SADC’s key decision making structures on political, defence and security matters. It currently consists of Malawi, Eswatini and Tanzania.

The meeting was held as the region prepared for the main SADC Summit, where leaders were expected to discuss security, economic development, industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture and regional integration.

Recent concerns discussed within the Troika include the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, political developments in Madagascar and the fight against terrorism in Mozambique.