* Done during SADC’s 28th Ministerial Committee Meeting of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation hosted by Malawi in Salima from July 16-17
* Where Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, George Chaponda called for stronger SADC unity to safeguard regional peace and stability
Maravi Express
During the 28th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministerial Committee Meeting of the Organ on Politics, Defence & Security Cooperation in Salima from July 16-17, Malawi signed the SADC Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons.
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This is a regional agreement adopted in 2005 to promote the gradual removal of barriers to the movement of people within the SADC region.
The Protocol was signed on Thursday, July 16, 2026 on the sidelines of the Ordinary Meeting and Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, George Chaponda emphasised that the signing demonstrates Malawi’s commitment to regional integration and the free movement of people.
Chaponda, who is chairperson of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics Defence & Security, added that it advances SADC’s goals of economic development, social progress and unity among Member States.
He called for sustained dialogue, solidarity and mutual respect to maintain peace and stability in Southern Africa.
At the closing of the meeting, Chaponda said with conflicts and political uncertainties continuing to challenge stability in parts of the region, there was the need for stronger unity among SADC member states — stressing that collective action remains critical in safeguarding peace and security.
He added that the meeting provided a platform for member states to discuss pressing political and security matters affecting the region and agree on measures aimed at strengthening peace, stability and democratic governance.
The meeting agreed to send a special envoy to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where conflict continues in the eastern part of the country: “That is a concern because our role is to ensure that there is peace and stability in the region,” Chaponda said.
The Minister further said the meeting also agreed to establish an office in Madagascar to support efforts addressing political transition challenges, adding that an agreement had been reached for fresh elections to be held within one year.
Other decisions reached during the meeting that were made through consensus will be submitted to the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit scheduled for August in South Africa.
The Minister thus reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, saying cooperation among member states remains important in addressing emerging challenges.
He thanked the delegates for their constructive engagement and valuable contributions, saying discussions focused on issues central to maintaining peace, political stability and democratic governance.
The meeting also reviewed progress made in implementing previous SADC decisions and considered strategic directions aimed at strengthening regional peace and security cooperation.—Reporting by Zenak Matekenya, Malawi News Agency (MANA); editing by Duncan Mlanjira; Maravi Express
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