The President of the Republic, Daniel Francisco Chapo, stated that Mozambique emerges from the 46th SADC Summit with significant political and strategic gains, including strengthened regional support for inclusive national dialogue, efforts to combat terrorism in Cabo Delgado and economic integration, noting that the meeting provided an opportunity to defend the country’s interests and strengthen regional cooperation.

Speaking as he took stock of his participation in the Summit, held on 17 August in Durban, South Africa, the Head of State highlighted the member states’ renewed commitment to accelerating the Regional Integration and Development Agenda through measures designed to boost the region’s economic and social development.

Among the key decisions, President Chapo highlighted the acceleration of the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund, the strengthening of the implementation of the 2020–2030 Regional Strategic Development Indicative Plan, and the acceleration of the organisation’s Industrialisation Strategy, including measures to promote inter-regional trade and investment.

The statesman also highlighted the importance of a study on the management of transit transport in the region, noting that Mozambique could play a strategic role in this area through the Maputo, Beira and Nacala corridors, as well as its ports, railways and other transport infrastructure.

The Summit reaffirmed that peace and security are essential for sustainable development, commending Mozambique’s efforts in combating terrorism in Cabo Delgado and reiterating the regional organisation’s solidarity and support.

“Without peace, stability and security, there can be no sustainable development. For this reason, the Summit devoted particular attention to peace and security in the region, reaffirming the collective commitment of Member States to continue working towards the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts and, above all, to combating the threats affecting regional stability. In this context, the Summit welcomed the ongoing efforts of the Government of the Republic of Mozambique to combat and eradicate terrorism in the province of Cabo Delgado and reaffirmed its support and solidarity with our country’s efforts.”

The President of the Republic noted that the Inclusive National Dialogue was one of the most prominent issues for Mozambique during the Summit, with the country noting “with satisfaction the repeated greetings and expressions of support from SADC leaders” for the process and for efforts to consolidate peace, stability and national reconciliation.

Food and nutritional security, disaster risk reduction and strengthening climate resilience were also among the issues raised by Mozambique. In this context, the Head of State called for the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre, based in Nacala-Porto in Nampula province, to be brought into operation more quickly, considering it strategic for regional emergency prevention and response.

The Head of State also expressed concern about the recent acts of violence in South Africa, particularly their impact on Mozambican citizens, calling for a strengthening of SADC’s role in promoting safe and orderly migration and condemning the violence between the two peoples.

On the sidelines of the Summit, the President of the Republic held meetings with other Heads of State and Government, notably the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, with whom he reaffirmed the commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and trade sectors.

As is customary at SADC Ordinary Summits, the leadership of the organisation’s main bodies was also renewed. In this context, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, was elected Chairperson-in-Office of SADC, whilst the King of eSwatini, Mswati III, was elected Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Political, Defence and Security Cooperation.

President Daniel Chapo concluded by stating that Mozambique’s participation in the 46th Summit had been “very positive”, as it had enabled the country to defend its national interests and contribute to the strengthening of the regional organisation.

Sources have told us.