Malawi Second VP urges SADC to turn commitments into action at Troika Summit

Malawi’s Second Vice President Enock Chihana has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to move from resolutions to real implementation, saying the region’s peace and stability depend on following through on decisions already made.

Speaking at the close of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation Troika Summit, the Second VP thanked delegations for “valuable contributions, constructive engagement, and steadfast commitment to the ideals of our Community.”

“Today’s deliberations have demonstrated our collective resolve to address regional challenges through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual solidarity,” he said. “The frank and insightful exchanges we have just held reaffirm SADC’s enduring commitment to promoting peace, security, democratic governance, and stability across our region.”

He told leaders that recommendations adopted at the meeting will provide strategic guidance for the region in pursuit of peace, security, and people-centred governance.

“As we depart from this Meeting, let us remain united in purpose and steadfast in our commitment to implementing the decisions we have taken. Together, we can continue to build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Southern African Community for the benefit of our peoples,” he said.

*Tribute to Tanzania and Eswatini*

The Second VP paid special tribute to the United Republic of Tanzania for its service during its three-year tenure on the Troika, including chairing the Organ from 2024 to 2025.

“The United Republic of Tanzania (URT) served the region very well with dedication at a time when the region experienced intense activities and also challenges emanating from the situation in Mozambique, and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” he said.

He noted Tanzania also led crucial Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Missions to elections across the region.

He also thanked the Kingdom of Eswatini for its cooperation during Malawi’s chairship.

“I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Eswatini for the close cooperation and collaboration during our Chairship of the Organ. As Incoming Chair, Eswatini was more than ready to step in and serve as Chair whenever the situation warranted,” he said.

The summit was attended by His Majesty King Mswati III of Eswatini, Incoming Chairperson of the Organ; Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania and Outgoing Chairperson; Hon. Dr. George Thapatula Chaponda, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi, among other ministers and senior officials.

In a lighter moment, the Second VP rallied the region behind Malawi’s women’s football team.

“We seek blessings of the region as we battle it out in the Finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco tonight. Our girls and your girls, the Scorchers, are determined to bring the Cup Home to the Warm Heart of Africa, to SADC.”