By Lylie Happiness
Windhoek, July 20 – The 25th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) commenced in Windhoek, Namibia, from 20th to 21st July 2023. The gathering, chaired by Honourable Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia, marks a significant step in addressing peace, security, and political relations within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
As the Chairperson of the MCO and with Namibia leading the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, Honourable Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized the vital role of peace, security, and stability in fostering regional cooperation and integration.
Prior to the Ministerial Meeting, the Senior Officials Meeting was held from 17th to 19th July 2023, setting the groundwork for important discussions during the 25th session.
In her opening remarks, Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the six (6) Extraordinary Meetings of the MCO Troika Plus convened by Namibia since September 2022. These meetings focused on the security situations in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Northern Mozambique, contributing to efforts to strengthen regional peace and stability.
One of the key topics of discussion during the Meeting will be Trafficking in Persons in the region. Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the importance of reinforcing legal provisions, enhancing capacity, and raising awareness to combat this phenomenon effectively.
Additionally, the Ministerial Meeting is expected to approve an instrument aimed at bolstering regional integration in the area of immigration. The status of ratifications of the Protocol on the Facilitation of the Movement of Persons in the SADC Region (2005), which is yet to be in force, will also be under consideration. Member States are encouraged to sign and ratify this Protocol to maximize the benefits of regional integration, promoting intra-regional tourism, people-to-people exchanges, business interactions, and investments across the region.
In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Elias Mpedi Mogosi, Executive Secretary of SADC, highlighted that the Meeting will also receive updates and progress reports on the Organ’s efforts to consolidate peace, democracy, and good governance in the region. These discussions and exchanges of information are pivotal in advancing the SADC’s objectives of fostering stability and cooperation among member states.
As the MCO session continues, participants are focused on advancing regional peace and cooperation, fostering an environment conducive to sustainable development, and strengthening ties among SADC member countries. The Meeting serves as a platform for meaningful discussions and actions that will shape the future trajectory of the region.- Namibia Daily News
