SADC Troika reviews regional security

August 17, 2026

Eswatini’s delegation at the SADC Organ Troika Meeting in Durban, South Africa, includes Economic Planning and Development Minister Dr Thambo Gina, Defence Principal Secretary Lizinyane Prince Sicalo, King’s Private Secretary Mbongeni Simelane, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Vuli Kunene and Acting High Commissioner to South Africa Lindiwe Mndzebele.

Durban, South Africa – The SADC Organ Troika has reviewed political and security developments in the region and is expected to submit recommendations to the main SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.

The discussions took place in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday, 16 August 2026, during the summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

The Troika reviewed the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and took note of the formal military and technical withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the DRC, known as SAMIDRC.

The political situation in Madagascar and the interventions undertaken so far were also discussed.

On Mozambique, the leaders noted that security in Cabo Delgado had stabilised. They also considered the Mozambican government’s request to reconsider the deployment of the SADC Panel of Elders, following the launch of an inclusive national dialogue led by the host country.

The Troika further discussed elections held in Malawi and Seychelles, as well as post election violence in Tanzania.

Recommendations are expected to be presented on improving the implementation of reports and recommendations produced by SADC electoral observer missions.

The Troika is also expected to brief the main summit on proposed leadership appointments to the SADC Electoral Advisory Council and the Mediation Reference Group.

Other matters include the proposed inclusion of former presidents in the Panel of Elders and the endorsement of a new framework on common SADC foreign policy positions.

The regional security structure will also report on progress towards establishing a permanent SADC Liaison Office in Madagascar.

The Organ Troika consists of Malawi as the outgoing chair, Eswatini as the incoming chair and Tanzania as the previous chair. Eswatini assumed the chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation during the Durban meetings.