The 44th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held on August 17, 2024, in Harare, Zimbabwe. The summit brought together leaders and representatives from SADC member states, including President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola, President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi of Botswana, and President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo, among others.

During the summit, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia took to social media to express his condolences to the family of the late former First Lady of Zambia, Mrs. Maureen Kakubo Mwanawasa, following a visit to their funeral home. He offered words of comfort and assured the family of his continued support during this challenging time.

The summit was marked by the election of Zimbabwe’s President, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, as the Chairperson of SADC, and Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina as the Incoming Chairperson. Additionally, Tanzania’s President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, was elected Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, with Malawi’s President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera named as the Incoming Chairperson of the Organ.

“I am honoured to assume the role of SADC Chairman. I thank the outgoing Chairman for his insightful leadership and dedication. SADC has transformed our region to one of peace, security, and prosperity. United we stand, and united we will continue to march forward toward a more prosperous future.” wrote President, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa

The summit also saw expressions of condolences to the governments of Namibia, Malawi, and Tanzania on the passing of prominent leaders, including Namibia’s President Dr. Hage G. Geingob and Malawi’s Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima.

President Hichilema presented a report on the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, highlighting the region’s generally stable political and security situation, despite challenges in some member states. The summit commended him for his leadership and efforts in promoting peace and security in the region.

Zimbabwe was recognized for its efforts in spearheading the construction of a Pan-African multi-country facility in Harare, aimed at preserving African Liberation history. Member states were urged to contribute materials and artifacts to the Museum of African Liberation.

The summit acknowledged positive developments in national reforms within the Kingdom of Lesotho and emphasized the need to expedite the passage of key constitutional amendments. The closure of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) was also noted, with member states commended for their contributions to its success.

SADC leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting peace, security, and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique. They also commended Angola for its role in the Luanda Process, aimed at resolving conflict in Eastern DRC, and called for an end to hostilities between the DRC and Rwanda.

The summit also addressed various issues, including the Mpox situation in the region, the ongoing humanitarian impact of El Niño-induced drought and floods, and the need for regional cooperation in response to these challenges. SADC leaders reiterated their call for the unconditional removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe and emphasized the importance of innovation in driving economic growth and industrialization in the region.

As the summit concluded, President Mnangagwa expressed his gratitude to the participating leaders and to Zimbabwe for hosting the event. The next SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government will be held in Madagascar.