Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema joined a virtual gathering of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) top leaders, according to the Lusaka Times. The session was led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who currently holds the regional bloc’s chairmanship. This meeting followed a virtual council of ministers session, as noted by Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe in a statement from Lusaka. The primary goal was to resolve two specific institutional vacancies that had been postponed from the August assembly in Durban.
The assembly selected Lesotho to head the security coordination body, which focuses on preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution. SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi explained that two nations had initially vied for this role in Durban, causing a temporary delay. After further consultations, the leaders agreed on Lesotho to take over the portfolio. This body is tasked with addressing stability issues, including security dynamics in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and northern Mozambique.
In a separate decision, the group appointed Treasure Maphanga as the deputy executive secretary for regional integration. Magosi described this position as central to implementing the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan. The role involves driving cross-border infrastructure, expanding electricity networks, and deepening trade within the region. Ramaphosa opened the session by arguing that the bloc’s strength relies on institutions capable of turning political promises into tangible benefits for citizens, such as job creation and poverty reduction.
Ramaphosa concluded by congratulating Lesotho and Maphanga, urging the strengthened institutions to expand economic opportunities. The Lusaka Times reported that Haimbe stated Hichilema’s attendance demonstrated Zambia’s dedication to bolstering the SADC Secretariat. Additionally, Magosi highlighted recent regional successes, including a disaster risk conference hosted in Maputo by Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo. He also noted the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to South African Dr. Navanethem Pillay, describing it as a source of pride for the region.