Harare, (New Ziana) — The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene the 27th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation from 21–25 July 2025 in Tanzania.
In a statement, the SADC secretariat said the high-level meeting, which is pivotal to the bloc’s peace and security architecture, will be chaired by Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
“The Southern African Development Community will hold the 27th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation from 21-25 July 2025 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.
The 27th Ordinary MCO meeting will be chaired by Honourable Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP.), Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the MCO,” said the statement.
The MCO, said the statement, is composed of ministers responsible for foreign affairs, defence, public security, and state security from all SADC Member States, adding that in accordance with Article 5 of the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, the Committee is mandated to steer and coordinate regional efforts aimed at safeguarding peace, fostering political stability, and enhancing security cooperation across Southern Africa.
Under the banner of strengthening democracy and consolidating governance, this year’s meeting will review the implementation of past decisions made by the MCO, the SADC Council of Ministers, and the Summit of Heads of State and Government, the bloc said. The Committee will also assess the political situation in the region and explore strategies to deepen democratic processes.
“The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation recognises that peace, security and political relations are critical factors in creating a conducive environment for regional cooperation and integration,” said the statement.
The deliberations will be preceded by a Senior Officials’ Meeting on 21–22 July, chaired by Ambassador Dr. Samwel Shelukindo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania in a session that will lay the groundwork for the ministers’ discussions, ensuring continuity and alignment with the SADC Organ’s overarching vision.
The bloc continues to prioritise the creation of a stable and peaceful regional environment, recognising these as essential pillars for achieving economic integration and sustainable development.
The Dar-es-Salaam meeting comes at a critical time as the region navigates ongoing political transitions in some member states, and seeks to fortify democratic institutions in the face of emerging security challenges.
New Ziana
