President Chakwera being welcomed in Maputo
By Sylvester Kumwenda and Chimwemwe Njoloma, MANA
President Lazarus Chakwera is arrived in Maputo, Mozambique on Thursday for the Southern African Development (SADC) Extraordinary Double Troika Summit.
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Before departure, President Chakwera said SADC needs to strengthen its security operations if the block was to remain safe and provide this important ingredient for development.
The summit amongst other things is expected to review the current security situation in the SADC region.
“It is an honour to be invited to the summit and be part of discussions of the security division. We all realize the importance of having tight security and how significant it is to the development of our countries, because without stability, there is no potential to develop.
Being welcomed by Mozambican official
“We need to work together with other member states on how we can strengthen our own security and that of the other member states. On the other hand, we do not want Malawi to be the weak link in terms of security within the region,” Chakwera said.
The summit comes after a series of occurrences of armed violence in the host country since last year in Northern Province of Cabo Delgado.
The armed violence’s have left many people dead and others internally displaced in areas like Niassa and Nampula.
This has subsequently fuelled security serious concerns within and outside the country’s borders.
On his departure at Kamuzu International Airport
The one-day summit is expected to discuss the establishment and operationalization of the Humanitarian and Emergency Operation Centre.
The Summit of the organ plus Mozambique was expected to take place in April, 2021 but was postponed as a result of the unavailability of the SADC Organ chairperson, President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana.
On his arrival at Mavalane International Airport, Chakwera was welcomed by the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Mozambique, Manuel Jose Goncalves and several senior government officials.
Chakwera was later walked through a Quarter Guard mounted by officers of the Defence Force of Mozambique before proceeding to Polana Serena Hotel.
Mozambique President Nyusi seeing off Chakwera during previous Troika meeting
In the last summit held in April, 2021, the Heads of State noted with concern the acts of terrorism perpetrated against innocent civilians, women and children in some districts of Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique.
The Leaders reaffirmed SADC’s continued commitment to contribute towards bringing locating peace and security.
In an at interview at Polana Serena Hotel, Minister of Homeland Security, Richard Chimwendo Banda said it was very important that the President was attending the summit to show solidarity support to Mozambique being a neighbour.
Chakwera was seen off by Vice-President Saulos Chilima
He said any security situation faced in Mozambique would greatly affect Malawi and other countries that borders it hence the need for determined efforts to protect innocent civilians, women and children.
“If there is no peace in Mozambique, Malawi will be affected and neighbouring countries. Whatever we are doing is to show solidarity support to our fellow country just like any other country in the region.
“It is very paramount that our leaders meet to discuss and make sure that there is peace in Mozambique,” Chimwendo Banda said.
Chakwera was expected back in the country late Thursday afternoon.
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