{UAH} SADC IS SERIOUS ABOUT DRC - ONE OF THEIR OWN

SUMMIT OF THE ORGAN TROIKA ON POLITICS, DEFENSE AND SECURITY COOPERATION PLUS DRC, MALAWI AND SOUTH AFRICA

PR Newswire

PRETORIA, South Africa, 13 September 2013 / PRNewswire Africa / - 1. Summit of the Troika of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation plus the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi and South Africawas held in Windhoek, Namibia on 11 September, 2013.

2. Summit was chaired by His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia and Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

3. Summit was attended by the following Heads of State and Government or their representatives:

DRC - H.E. Joseph Kabila Kabange

Lesotho - Rt. Hon. Motsoahae Thomas Thabane

Namibia - H.E. Hifikepunye Pohamba

Malawi - H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda

United Republic - H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete

of Tanzania

South Africa - Hon. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane

4. Summit was also attended by the Executive Secretary of SADC, H. E. Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax.

5. Summit considered the political and security situation in the region, in particular, the latest development in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Madagascar.

6. On the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

6.1 Summit commended the progress made in the deployment of the Intervention Brigade in Eastern DRC under the auspices of MONUSCO.

6.2 Summit commended the Republic of Malawi, the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of South Africa for deploying the forces under the auspices of MONUSCO in the eastern DRC.

6.3 Summit commended the MONUSCO/FIB and FARDC for continuing to exert military pressure on M23 and other negative forces in eastern DRC to ensure that they stop war.

6.4 Summit expressed concern at the deployment of Rwandan troops along the common border with the DRC and also expressed the hope that Rwanda is not contemplating to invade the DRC for that will complicate the already delicate situation.

6.5 Summit appealed to the neighbours of DRC and all nations to contribute to peace, security and stability of the DRC.

6.6 Summit urged the International Community to increase its humanitarian support in order to alleviate the suffering of the populations in Eastern DRC.

6.7 Summit welcomed the Declaration of the Kampala Extraordinary Summit of the ICGLR Heads of State and Government on 5 September, 2013 especially on the call for the resumption of talks between the DRC Government and the M23 and that the talks be completed within 14 days.

6.8 Summit demanded that the M23 put an end to all military activities, and stop war and threats of overthrowing the lawful Government of DRC.

6.9 Summit called upon countries that are signatories to the Framework Agreement for Peace, Security and Cooperation on DRC and the Region to comply to the agreed principles;

6.10 Summit directed the SADC Secretariat to urgently consult with the ICGLR Secretariat to prepare for a joint SADC/ICGLR Summit to take place as possible.

7. On the Republic of Madagascar

7.1 Summit noted with satisfaction that the situation in Madagascar is calm following the decision of the reformed Special Electoral Court which withdrew the nine candidates, including the three namely Mrs. Lalao Ravalomanana, Mr. Andry Rajoelina and Mr. Didier Ratsiraka.

7.2 Summit commended H.E. Joaquim Chissano, former president of the Republic of Mozambique and SADC Mediator on Madagascar and the former Chair of the Organ, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania for their tireless efforts in ensuring the country returns to constitutional normalcy.

7.3 Summit commended the reformed Special Electoral Court for restoring the legality of the Presidential Candidates.

7.4 Summit called upon the international partners to urgently provide financial, technical, material and logistical support for the holding of peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible elections in the country, and to also support the socio-economic recovery programmes of Madagascar.

7.5 Summit noted the need for collective support to the Government and people of Madagascar by contributing towards holding of peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.

7.6 Summit reiterated the SADC position of the right of all Malagasy exiles, including Mr. Marc Ravalomanana, to return to the country.

7.7 Summit directed the SADC Secretariat to facilitate for the deployment of SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM) to Madagascar Presidential elections scheduled for 25 October, 2013 and prepare clear time lines to be submitted to the Chair of the Organ.

7.8 Summit appealed to the International Community to assist the people of Madagascar who are facing food insecurity as a result of locusts that destroyed the crops.

8. Summit noted that the Republic of Namibia will host COP 11 on the convention to combat desertification from 16 to 26 September 2013 and committed to actively participate towards the success of the Conference.

9. Summit expressed its appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Namibia for the warm hospitality extended to all delegates and facilities placed at their disposal.

Done

Windhoek, Republic of Namibia

11 September, 2013

SOURCE Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Republic of South Africa

 

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Gwokto La'Kitgum

"Even a small dog can piss on a tall Building", Jim Hightower