There have been security concerns in the Southern African Development Community, with the regional block facing security lapses.
For instance, there have been terrorist attacks in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado, recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, a long-standing security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the killing and abduction of persons with albinism with cases in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia topping the list.
Following the 41st ordinary SADC summit that recently took place in Lilongwe this week, security experts from the region have tipped Cyril Ramaphosa, the new chairperson of the SADC organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation to find lasting solutions to the problem so that the region achieves peace and sustainable development.
Malawi’s security expert Sherriff Kaisi says there is a need to strengthen criminal justice systems, saying this will decrease cross border crimes particularly murder and trafficking of body parts as the abduction and killing of persons with albinism is an everyday story in the region.
Zimbabwe’s Rotary Peace fellow Patience Rusale says Chairperson Ramaphosa should prove to the world that he can strengthen early warning mechanisms to deal with the vice, especially the attacks in his country.
Tyrone Seale, Ramaphosa’s Acting presidential spokesperson has expressed optimism the Chairperson will devise ways of dealing with the situation head-on.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took over the chairmanship from Botswana’s President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi during the ordinary Troika summit in Lilongwe.