COMMUNIQUE
NAMIBIA - WINDHOEK: 17 AUGUST, 1992
The Summit of the Southern African Coordination Conference (SADCC) met
in Windhoek, Republic of Namibia, on 17th August 1992, under the Chairmanship
of His Excellency Sir Katumile Masire, President of the Republic of Botswana.
Delegations of member States were led by the following:
Mozambique : H.E. J.A. Chissano, President
Namibia : H.E. S. Nujoma, President
Tanzania : H.E. A.H. Mwinyi, President
Zambia : H.E. F.J.T. Chiluba, President
Zimbabwe : H.E. R.G. Mugabe, President
Angola : The Rt. Hon. F. van Dunen, Prime Minister
Swaziland : The Rt. Hon. O.M. Dlamini, Prime Minister
Botswana : Hon. A.M. Mogawe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Water
Affairs
Lesotho : Hon. A. L. Thoahlane, Minister of Finance and Planning,
Economic and Manpower Development
Malawi : Hon. L.J. Chimango, Minister of Finance
Pan Africanist Congress : Mr. C. Makwetu, President
African National Congress : Mr. M.C. Ramaphosa, Secretary General
The President of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. S. Nujoma, delivered an address
of welcome. The President of the Republic of Botswana, Sir Katumile Masire, in
his capacity as Chairman, made a statement reviewing the activities of the
Organisation, and the economic and political situation in the region.
Statements were also made by the following:
* The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. A.H. Mwinyi;
* The President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. F.J. Chiluba;
* The President of the Republic of Mozambique, H.E. J. A. Chissano;
* The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. R.G. Mugabe;
* The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland, the Rt. Hon. O. M.
Dlamini;
* The Secretary General of the African National Congress, Mr. M.C.
Ramaphosa;
* The President of the Pan Africanist Congress, Mr. C. Makwetu.
Of foremost concern to the Summit was the drought currently gripping the
region, The Summit commended its Chairman President Masire for his leadership
in addressing the drought situation and, thanked the international community
for its pledges of support at the SADCC/UN Conference on the Drought Emergency
in Southern Africa, held in Geneva in June this year. The Summit directed the
Ministers of Agriculture to make appropriate arrangements, in the event the
drought continues into next year, and also to put in place the necessary
recovery measures should the drought break. Above all, the Summit directed the
Ministers of Agriculture to put in place a system for regional and national
food security.
The Summit called upon SADCC’s cooperating partners to assist in these efforts.
The Summit commended the Government and people of Angola for their resolve
to establish the foundation for lasting peace and security in their country,
following the 1991 Peace Agreement. The Summit expressed the hope and wish that
all political parties in Angola will exercise tolerance and restraint during
and after the elections, and accept the will of the people.
The Summit further noted with appreciation the agreement signed by President
Chissano and Mr. Dhlakama in Rome on 7th August, 1992 (the correct date is 4th
October 1992) aimed at the cessation of hostilities by October first.
The Summit commended President Chissano and Mr. Dhlakama for their continued positive
and constructive efforts to restore peace and stability in Mozambique as well
as President Mugabe for his role in facilitating this process.
The Summit reviewed developments in South Africa and was briefed by representatives
of the South African Liberation Movements on major issues regarding the violence,
the negotiations and unity of patriotic forces. The Summit noted with concern
that the violence currently gripping South Africa had resulted in a general
climate of tension and uncertainty in that country. The Summit further noted
with concern that nationals of some member States, who have been recruited into
the South African Defence Force and the Police are involved in the South
African Defence Force and the Police are involved in the cycle of violence. The
Summit agreed that this situation represented a real threat to peace and
security in the region. The Summit called upon all parties particularly the
South African Government to take all necessary measures to end the bloodletting
and commit themselves to contributing to the solution of the problem.
The Summit also noted with regret the lack of progress in the
negotiations which is a result of the refusal by the South African Government
to accept universally agreed principles of democracy and its reluctance to stem
the tide of violence much of which can be linked to the state security apparatus.
The Summit called upon all democratic forces in South Africa to unite in order
to bring about an early constitutional dispensation acceptable to the majority
of South Africans. The Summit offered to what it can to involve the region in
supporting the process of change in South Africa.
Regarding relations between SADCC member States and South Africa, the
Summit expressed concern at the apparent weakening of consensus among member
States as evident from the emerging diversity of their economic, political and
diplomatic relations with South Africa. The Summit reaffirmed its previous
decisions urging member States not to establish relations with South Africa
beyond the existing levels. The Summit also reaffirmed the decisions of the
Council of Ministers that SADCC will be guided by positions adopted by the
Commonwealth Heads of State and Government Harare Summit, on sanctions against
South Africa.
The Summit, therefore, called upon the international community, particularly
African countries, to refrain from doing anything that would give legitimacy to
the current regime in South Africa or weaken the hand of the democratic forces.
In this connection the Summit commended the recent peaceful mass-action
campaign under the leadership of the ANC, and called on the international
community to put pressure on the Government of Mr. de Klerk to accept
universally agreed principles of democracy.
The Summit agreed that it was necessary to clarify that relations
between SADCC and South Africa will be normalised only when a democratically elected
government was in place.
The Summit considered a Report of the Council of Ministers on the Formalisation
of SADCC, and agreed that the Report adequately addressed the issues and
concerns of the region. The Summit agreed that it formed a sufficient basis to
strengthen SADCC and give it appropriate legal status, and other necessary
instruments to create a regional economic community of Southern African states.
The Summit, therefore, approved and signed a new Declaration, a Treaty and a
Protocol committing member States to deeper and more formal arrangements for cooperation
and integration under the framework of a new organisation, The Southern African
Development Community (SADC). In particular, the Summit noted and reaffirmed
that:
a) the Treaty establishing SADC provides for agreement on protocols on
specific areas of integration which will se-out the principles and objectives
of integration, and determine the rules under which member States will conduct
their relations in specific areas;
b) it is important to follow-up the signing of the Treaty which a clear elaboration
of the issues, structures and timetable which will form the basis of the
negotiations on protocols;
c) priority be given to popular participation, to ensure that the people
of the region determine the content and direction of regional integration;
d) the movement of the people within the region should be facilitated;
e) the need for the progressive removal of all barriers to the flow of capital,
goods and services; and
f) priority also be given to arrangements for peace and security in the region.
The Summit expressed the hope that a democratic South Africa will joint the
SADCC family of nations soon in order to enable all of the region’s peoples to
join hands in building a new economic order in Southern Africa based on
balance, equity and mutual benefit.
The Summit noted that the Theme of the 1993 SADCC Annual Consultative
Conference: SADC: A Framework and Strategy for Building a Community in Southern
Africa will articulate the issues and propose a time-table and the steps
necessary to build an economic community in Southern Africa.
The Summit noted the proposal by the Authority of the Preferential Trade
Area for Eastern and Southern African States (PTA) that SADCC and PTA should
merge into a Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The Summit
reaffirmed the consensus of member States that SADCC and PTA have distinct
objectives and mandates and must, therefore, continue to exist as autonomous,
but complementary entities.
The Summit appreciated efforts being made to avoid conflict, and duplication
in the activities of the two organisations. The Summit, therefore, directed
Council to commission and independent study to advise on how best to harmonise
relations between SADC and PTA in the context of the process toward the
establishment of the African Economic
Community.
The Summit noted with regret that the status of Walvis Bay and the offshore
islands, as integral parts of Namibia, still remains unresolved.
The Summit reaffirmed its support to Namibia, and called on the international
community to put pressure on South Africa to restore the sovereignty over
Walvis Bay and the offshore islands to Namibia.
The Summit noted with satisfaction progress being made in the implementation
of the SADCC Programme of Action. The Summit considered and approved the SADCC
Annual Report, covering the period of July 1991 to June 1992, and decided that
the Report should be released for public information.
The Chairman, Sir Katumile Masire, delivered a closing statement.
The Summit thanked H.E. President Nujoma, the Government and people of
Namibia, for the cordial and brotherly welcome and hospitality accorded to the
Heads of State or Governments, and their delegations.
COMMUNIQUE
SWAZILAND - MBABANE: 5 SEPTEMBER, 1993
The Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) met in
Mbabane, Kingdom of Swaziland, on 5th September, 1993, under the Chairmanship
of His Excellency Sir Ketumile Masire, President of the Republic of Botswana.
Delegations of member States were led by the following:
Mozambique : H.E. J.A. Chissano, President
Namibia : H.E. S. Nujoma, President
Swaziland : His Majesty, Mswati III, King
Tanzania : H.E. A.H. Mwinyi, President
Zambia : H.E. F.J.T. Chiluba, President
Zimbabwe : H.E. R.G. Mugabe, President
Angola : The Rt. Hon. M. Moco, Prime Minister
Lesotho : Hon. S. Baholo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
and Economic Planning
Botswana : Hon. A.M. Mogwe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Water
Affairs
Malawi : H.E. Kachama, Ambassador to Mozambique
Pan Africanist Congress : Mr. C. Makwetu
African National Congress : Mr. W. Sisulu, Deputy President
The King of Swaziland, His Majesty Mswati III delivered an address of welcome.
The President of the Republic of Botswana, Sir Katumile Masire, in his capacity
as Chairman, made a statement reviewing the activities of the Organisation and
the economic and political situation in the region.
Response statements were made by the following:
* The President of Mozambique, H.E. Joaquim Chissano;
* The Deputy Prime Minister of Lesotho, Hon. S. Baholo;
* The Deputy President of the African National Congress, Mr. W. Sisulu
The Summit also reviewed political and economic developments in the region;
and received briefings from the President of Mozambique; the Prime Minister of
Angola and leaders of the South African Liberation Movements.
The Summit was encouraged by the improving situation in Mozambique and
commended the Government of Mozambique and Renamo for ensuring that the
cease-fire continued to hold; and observed that as a result, life was gradually
returning to normal in the country.
The Summit, however, expressed concern that there were critical outstanding
issues that could still further stall the implementation of the Rome peace
Accord. In particular the Summit regretted the lack of progress in
demobilisation of armies and the finalisation of the electoral law.
The Summit noted with concern that following the collapse of the Bicesse
Peace Accord, the situation in Angola has deteriorated into a full-scale war leading
to massive destruction of human lives and property.
The Summit urged member States to stand by the people of Angola and demonstrate
the region’s solidarity with their firm resolution to restore peace and
democracy to their motherland. The Summit, therefore, directed the SADC
Executive Secretary to consult with member States on the best possible means to
alleviate the desperate social conditions currently obtaining in Angola.
The Summit noted that the crisis in Angola would be a subject of a
Special UN Security Council debate on 15 September 1993. The Summit, therefore,
appealed to member States to ensure that SADC Foreign Ministers attend the
meeting in order to lend visible and unified support to the Government and
people of Angola.
In regard to South Africa, the Summit noted that significant progress
has been made at the Multi Party Negotiations Forum on the necessary rule.
The Summit, in particular, commended all parties at the Talks on
agreeing to a date to April, 1994. The Summit also welcomed the decision of the
Multi Party negotiations Forum that Walvis Bay and the off-shore stands be
returned to Namibia. The Summit urged the South African government to implement
that decision with a sense of purpose and urgency.
The Summit, viewed with grave concern escalating politically motivated violence
in South Africa and right wing threats to impose their ethnic and racist
preferences on the people of South Africa.
The Summit reaffirmed its earlier positions that the region, through
SADC and the Front-line States (FLS), has a crucial role to play in the democratisation
of South Africa. The Summit commended the Chairman of SADC and FLS for acting
expeditiously to set up a SADC Resident Mission in South Africa in March 1993.
The Summit agreed that, the Resident Mission, comprising diplomatic and trade
missions of SADC countries in South Africa, should be strengthened in order to
effectively carry out its mandate to closely monitor and follow events in South
Africa and to convass the region’s concern and interests; and bring them to the
attention of key major actors and constituencies in that country.
The Summit noted that all member States had ratified the Treaty establishing
the Southern African Development Community and the Protocol on Immunities and
Privileges, and that the instruments of ratification have been deposited with
the SADC Secretariat.
The Summit, therefore, decided that the Treaty and Protocol on Immunities
and Privileges will enter into force on 5th October, 1993. The Summit commended
member States for demonstrating their support and commitment to deeper and more
formal arrangements for cooperation under the new SADC.
The Summit welcomed initiatives undertaken so far to popularise SADC to a
wide cross-section of constituencies in the region. In particular the Summit
agreed that the Constituency Building and Mobilization Campaign launched in
Harare, Zimbabwe, in July 1993, should gain momentum and cover all countries of
the region.
The Summit noted and concurred with the response of participants at the Harare
Constituency Building Seminars with regard to inter alia, the need for SADC
governments to:-
* demonstrate their political commitment to involve people in the process
of building the Community by providing practical support to and consultation
with non-governmental constituencies;
* provide an enabling political environment through active promotion of
human rights, democracy and economic empowerment of the region’s populace; and,
* promote contacts among residents of the Community by facilitating free
movement of people and factors of production in the region.
The Summit received and noted a study from the JPC on Regional Relations
Post-Apartheid. The Summit agreed that the study constituted a broad
conceptional, strategic and policy instrument for negotiations of future
regional relations and cooperation post apartheid, and that the study was an
important input to current planning for regional integration.
The Summit also received the SADC Annual Report and noted that in view of
the current moratorium on new projects, the size of the SADC Programme of
Action has been reduced considerably from 518 projects in August 1992 to 464 by
July 1993. The Summit called on member States to commit more financial
resources to the implementation of the Programme of Action which now requires
over US$ 8.8 billion. The Summit also reviewed the state of draught recovery in
the region and called on the international community to assist member States
who still needed emergency drought relief such as Angola, Botswana, Lesotho and
Swaziland.
The Summit re-elected the President of Botswana, Sir Katumile Masire Chairmen
of SADC and His Majesty Mswati III, King of Swaziland, as Vice-Chairman for a
term of one year; and appointed Dr. Kaire Mbuende of Namibia, Executive
Secretary, and Mr. Lengolo Monyake of Lesotho, Deputy Executive Secretary for
terms of four years each. The Summit congratulated the new Executive Secretary
and Deputy Executive Secretary, and promised them the support and cooperation
of member States.
The Summit paid tribute to the out-going Executive Secretary, Dr. Simba Makoni
for his dedicated leadership and service to SADC. The Summit also thanked the
President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Mr Robert Mugabe, and his Government for making Dr.
Makoni available to SADC at the time when his services were needed more in his
country, which had just attained independence.
The President of Botswana, H.E. Sir Katumile Masire delivered a closing statement.
The following also delivered statements during the closing ceremony:
* The President of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. Mr. S. Nujoma;
* The President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mr. F.L.T. Chiluba; and,
* The Prime Minister of the Republic of Angola, Rt. Hon. Dr. Marcolino
Moco
The Summit thanked His Majesty King Mswati III, the Government and people
of the Kingdom of Swaziland, for the cordial and brotherly welcome and
hospitality accorded to the Heads of State or Governments and their delegations.
COMMUNIQUE
BOTSWANA - GABORONE: 29 AUGUST, 1994
The Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) met in
Gaborone,
Republic of Botswana, on 29th August, 1994 under the Chairmanship of His
Excellency Sir Katumile Masire, President of the Republic of Botswana.
Delegations of member States were led by the following:
Swaziland : His Majesty, Mswati III, King
Malawi : H.E. B Muluzi, President
Mozambique : H.E. J A Chissano, President
Namibia : H.E. S Nujoma, President
Tanzania : H.E. A H Mwinyi, President
Zambia : H.E. F J T Chiluba, President
Zimbabwe : H.E. R G Mugabe, President
Lesotho : The Rt. Hon. N Mokhehle, Prime Minister
South Africa : His Honour T Mbeki, Executive Deputy President
Angola : Hon. V de Moura, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Botswana : Hon. A M Mogwe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Water
Affairs
The Organisation of African Unity (OAU), and the UN Economic Commission
for Africa (ECA) were specially invited to the Summit as observers. Their
delegations were led by:
* Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, Secretary General OAU
* Mr Layashi Yaker, Executive Secretary ECA
His Excellency Sir Katumile Masire, President of the Republic of
Botswana and Chairman of SADC delivered a welcome address and statement reviewing
the activities of the Organisation as well as developments in the region and
the world.
A statement marking the accession of the Republic of South Africa to the
Treaty of SADC was delivered by His Honour T Mbeki, Executive Deputy President.
A response statement was made by H. E. R G Mugabe, President of the Republic of
Zimbabwe.
The Summit welcomed the Republic of South Africa as the eleventh member
State of SADC, and also congratulated the Government and people of that country
for a peaceful and successful transition from minority rule to democracy
through all-race multiparty elections. The Summit also welcomed H.E. President
Muluzi and commended the people of Malawi for conducting the country’s first
multiparty elections since independence in a peaceful and orderly manner.
The Summit reviewed political and economic developments in the region, and
received briefing from the President of Zimbabwe, in his capacity as Chairman
of the Front-line States (FLS), regarding mediation efforts in the Lesotho
crisis by the Presidents of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The Summit was
also briefed by the Prime Minister of Lesotho and the Foreign Minister of
Angola on recent developments in their countries.
The Summit expressed serious concern at the recurrence of instability in
Lesotho involving the army and police resulting in the kidnapping of several
Cabinet Ministers and the assassination of Deputy Prime Minister, Hon.
Selometsi Baholo in April 1994. The Summit condemned in strongest terms the
actions of the Lesotho security forces. At the same time, the Summit expressed
strong objections to the recent decision by His Magesty, King Letsie III to
unlawfully dissolve Parliament and disband the democratically elected
Government in gross violation of the constitution of the Kingdom.
The Summit advised His Majesty to act in the best interests of his
country and the region at large by immediately and unconditionally reinstating
the legitimate Government of Prime Minister Mokhehle.
The Summit commended the Front-line States, and in particular, Presidents
Mugabe, Masire and Mandela for their personal contributions towards efforts to
bring peace and stability to Lesotho.
The Summit noted with satisfaction progress being made in Mozambique in
the implementation of the Rome Peace Accord. In particular, the Summit noted
that:
* preparations for multiparty general elections schedule for 27th - 28th
October, 1994 were at an advanced stage;
* significant progress has been made to demobilise armed forces,
integrate and train a new national army of 30,000 soldiers; and
* activities have begun to rehabilitate and reconstruct infrastructure
such as roads, schools and hospitals.
The Summit urged member States and the international community to fully support
the process towards speedy demobilisation and integration of the armed forces
as well as to provide material support to Mozambique’s efforts to resettle
returning refugees and other displaced persons.
With regard to Angola, the Summit noted that the United Nations (UN)
-sponsored Lusaka negotiations had made a significant breakthrough in reaching
agreement on principles of national reconciliation predicated on UNITA’s
acceptance to participate in government structures. UNITA has been offered
posts in the cabinet, local government and the foreign services in an envisaged
Government of National Unity. Agreement has also been reached on the mandate of
UN peacekeeping forces to consist of 7000 troops.
The Summit, however, regretted that the war in Angola had intensified
and continued to delay the process of peaceful negotiations and rehabilitation of
major economic sectors. The Summit called on the international community to
assist intensify pressure on UNITA to commit itself to a speedy and complete
peaceful resolution of the crisis in Angola. The
Summit also urged SADC member States to give appropriate support to mediation
efforts by the UN, OAU and President Mandela.
The Summit considered a Report of the SADC/PTA Joint Committee of Ministers
on harmonisation and rationalisation of activities of the two organisations.
The Summit agreed that it was important that problems emanating from an
overlapping membership of SADC and PTA be resolved taking into account the
benefits and advantages that each organisation offers to member countries, and
also to enable the two organisations to play their central roles as building
blocks for the African Economic Community.
The Summit, therefore, decided that the current Preferential Trade Area (PTA)
region should be divided into two regions, namely;
i) A Preferential Trade Area for the South which will comprise all SADC
member States. Preferential trade arrangements in the South region to be
carried out under the auspices of SADC. The process of separating the two
regions into North and South will involve over time, and the modalities
regarding which area SADC member States will belong to shall be determined by
individual member States in their sovereign right.
ii) A Preferential Trade Area for the North comprising non-SADC countries.
The Summit reviewed the activities of the SADC Joint Planning Committee (JPC)
and agreed that together with the SADC Resident Mission, the JPC should be
wound up as they had fully achieved their respective missions.
The Summit thanked the Ministers and the Representatives of member States
in South Africa whose respective tasks were to oversee the JPC and Resident
Mission.
The Summit noted progress reports on the on-going activities intended to
involve citizens of member States in the implementation of the Framework and
Strategy for building the Community. The Summit reaffirmed its earlier decisions
that the work of SADC organs must focus primarily on the Community Building
process in the Southern Africa and the region’s contribution to the
establishment of the African Economic Community.
The Summit approved the establishment of a Sector on Politics, Diplomacy,
International Relations, Defense and Security; and that 17 August be declared
“SADC Day” to be commemorated every year with popular activities and
cultural/sporting events.
The Summit reviewed and noted the draft Annual Report for the period covering
July 1993 to June 1994. The Summit noted the continued reduction of the size of
the SADC Programme of Action to ensure that only projects with a regional
impact and that can be viable and self sustaining remain in the Programme. The
Summit urged member States to mobilise more resources for implementation in the
SADC Programme of Action which is currently costed at about USD 8.7 million.
The Summit noted with concern that the region was likely to experience a
serious shortage of cereal due to adverse climatic conditions. The Summit further
noted that the worst affected member States included Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia
and Tanzania. The Summit appealed to member States with food surpluses, and to
the internal community, to act speedily to assist advert a more devastating
food crisis situation in the affected member States.
The Summit elected His Excellency, Sir Katumile Masire, the President of
Botswana as Chairman of SADC for a two year term of office, and His Majesty,
the King of Swaziland, King Mswati III to a similar term as Vice-Chairman of
SADC. The Summit paid tribute to H.E. President Masire and Vice-Chairman His
Majesty King Mswati III for their dedicated service to the organisation.
The Summit accepted the invitation of H.E. President Nelson Mandela to host
its next meeting in South Africa.
The Chairman and President of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Sir Ketumile
Masire delivered a closing statement. A vote of Thanks was passed by H.E. Baliki
Muluzi, President of the Republic of Malawi.
The Summit thanked H.E. President Masire, the Government and people of
Botswana for the cordial and brotherly welcomed and hospitality accorded to
Heads of State or Government and their delegations.
COMMUNIQUE
SOUTH AFRICA - JOHANNESBURG: 28 AUGUST, 1995
1. The Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) met
in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 28th August 1995, under the Chairmanship of
His Excellency, Sir Katumile Masire, President of the Republic of Botswana.
2. All SADC member States were represented at the Summit, by Heads of State
or Government or their representatives. The Republic of Mauritius attended the
Summit for the first time.
3. The Organisation of Africa Unity (OUA), the African Development Bank (ADB)
and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) were especially
invited to the Summit as observers.
4. His Excellency, President Nelson Mandela, delivered a Statement, welcoming
fellow Heads of State and Governments and other delegates to the Summit. He
noted that peace and stability was now prevailing in the region, pointing out
that time had come to concentrate on economic
growth and development issues.
5. His Excellency Sir Katumile Masire, President of the Republic of Botswana,
and Chairman of SADC delivered a statement, reviewing the activities of the
Organisation, as well as developments in the region and the world.
6. A response statement was made by the Rt. Hon. Ntsu Mokhehle, Prime Minister
of Lesotho. He thanked leaders of the region for their contribution to the
resolution of the Lesotho crisis. He informed the Summit that relative stability
had returned to the country. Broad consultations on the further enhancement of
stability were continuing at the national level, as well as the regional level.
7. The Summit commemorated the 15’ Anniversary of SADC and noted with satisfaction
progress made to-date since the establishment of the Organisation in 1980.
8. The Summit received messages from youth representatives of the SADC member
States. In particular, the Summit noted the need to involve the youth in the
development process of the region as future leaders. The Summit appreciated the
concerns of the youth with regard to child abuse, teenage pregnancies, drug
trafficking, disease, hunger, youth unemployment, etc.
9. The Summit also received a special message from SADC women. The women
called upon the leaders of the region to seriously address the upliftment of
the position of the women of the region, and to eradicate hunger, poverty,
illiteracy, crime, women and child abuse. The Summit noted that the SADC women
and child abuse. The Summit noted that the SADC women will be represented at
the forthcoming Conference on Women to be held in Beijing, China, from 4 to 15
September 1995.
10. The Summit was briefed on the current situation in Angola. The
Summit noted that the Government of Angola continued to have consultations with
Unita in order to have a long-lasting solution to that country’s problems.
The Summit noted that efforts were being made to ensure the demilitarisation
of UNITA and its integration into the new national army.
The reconstruction and rehabilitation of the economy was also being addressed.
11. The Summit considered the Report on SADC/COMESA Relations, and reaffirmed
its decision of Gaborone in August 1994, that the region covered by the
geographical area of COMESA should be split into PTA North and PTA South; the
latter comprising the current SADC member States.
12. The Summit agreed to the proposal of the COMESA Authority for a
joint SADC/COMESA Summit Meeting on the future of the two Organisations.
The Summit agreed to appoint a joint Committee of Ministers, five each from
SADC and COMESA, assisted by an equal number of senior officials from each
side, to draw up and recommend appropriate terms of reference for approval by
the two Chairmen.
13. The Summit noted progress on Community Building and in particular,
that draft protocols for the sectors of Energy, Free Movement of SADC Persons
and Trade are well under preparation.
14. The Summit signed the Protocol on “Shared Watercourse Systems” in
the SADC Region. Angola, Tanzania and Zambia indicated that they would sign the
Protocol on “Shared Water Course Systems” at a later date after making internal
consultations. The objective of the Protocol is to enhance cooperation in the
optimal utilisation and conservation of shared Watercourse Systems in the SADC
region.
15. The Summit noted that the Council of Ministers, at their meeting
held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 25-26 August 1995, approved the Southern
African Power Pool (SAPP), Inter-Governmental Memorandum of Understanding
(IGMOU) and directed the SADC Energy Ministers to sign the IGMOU. The Summit
noted that the objective of the SAPP is to create a common pool for electricity
in the SADC region.
16. The Summit reviewed its decision in Gaborone in August 1994, to establish
the sector on Political Cooperation, democracy, Peace and Security. The Summit
considered and granted the request of the Foreign ministers of SADC, that the
allocation of the sector, to any Member State be deferred and that they be
given more time for consultations among
themselves and with Ministers responsible for Defence and Security and SADC
Matters, on the structures, terms of reference, and operational procedures, for
the sector.
17. The Summit awarded posthumously the Sir Seretse Khama SADC Medal, to
the late President of Angola, Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto, for his outstanding
contribution to the liberation struggle in Southern Africa and to the process
leading to the establishment of SADC.
18. The Summit reviewed and noted the draft Annual Report for the period
covering July 1994 to June 1995. The Summit also noted the status of the economies
of member States and especially, the growth in output and inflation.
19. The Summit noted, with concern, that most of the countries in
Southern Africa have experienced erratic and generally poor rainfall during
1994/95 growing season. The Summit, further noted that an appeal conference was
launched in Geneva on 20th June 1995, which was well received by cooperating
partners. The Summit thanked cooperating partners and other donors for the
assistance rendered to SADC countries to overcome the drought.
20. The Summit accepted the invitation of the Rt. Hon. Ntsu Mokhehle to
host its next meeting in Lesotho.
21. The Rt. Hon. Sir Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius
signed an instrument of accession to SADC, and made a statement marking the occasion
of Mauritius becoming the twelve member State of the SADC.
22. The Chairman and President of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Sir Ketumile
Masire delivered a closing statement. A Vote of thanks was passed by H.E. Ali
Hassan Mwinyi, President of the Republic of Tanzania.
23. The Summit thanked H.E. President Nelson Mandela, the government and
people of South Africa for the cordial and brotherly welcome and hospitality
accorded to Heads of State or Governments and their delegations.
SPECIAL SADC SUMMIT ON NIGERIA
COMMUNIQUE
SOUTH AFRICA - PRETORIA: 11 DECEMBER, 1995
Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community
(SADC) today met in Pretoria, South Africa, for a special Summit on Nigeria. It
is the tradition of SADC to meet and exchange views on a variety of issues of
concern to the region and Africa as a whole. This time the Summit exchange
views on Nigeria because the country seemed to be drifting away from peace and
stability. Nigeria stood steadfastly with Southern Africa in the long struggle
against minority rule that had just been finally defeated. The Summit felt it
was its turn to make a contribution towards the process of restoring democracy
and peace to Nigeria.
The special meeting was chaired by the President of Botswana, Sir Katumile
Masire, in his capacity as SADC Chairman. President Nelson Mandela of South
Africa was the host of the meeting.
The meeting was called to consider the region’s response following the execution
by the Nigerian Military Government last month Government last month of writer
Ken Sero-Wiwa and eight (8) other Ogoni Human Rights activists.
The Summit expressed support for President Mandela on the various initiatives
he had undertaken in the search for a peaceful solution to the Nigerian
problem. He informed the Summit that he had extensive exchanges of views with
world leaders which had enriched his appreciation of the problem. What he had
been able to put together was that the world was concerned about developments
in Nigeria and that it stood ready to assist Nigeria to re-establish democracy and
the rule of law.
The Summit took note that the OAU Secretary General had sent a message
to the SADC Summit, through President Mandela, to the effect that he had been
in close contact with Nigerian Government and that he had been in close contact
with Nigerian Government and that he had good reason for optimism that a
durable solution would soon be found to the problem. He was of the view that
the Nigerian leadership was equally concerned about the turn of events and that
they were quietly putting together a package that would launch the country back
on a firm path to democracy and the immediate release of all potential
prisoners.
The Summit took note of the message sent by President Lansana of Guinea
sharing his perception on the Nigerian situation with the Summit.
The Summit decided to invite him to the SADC region to brief the SADC leaders
on the West African view on the Nigerian crisis.
The Summit decided that the contribution of SADC towards the resolution of
the Nigerian crisis will be channeled through the Commonwealth Committee of
Eight, the OAU and the United Nations.
The Summit refrained from taking any new initiatives as the
international community in general was already addressing the issue. As the
majority of the SADC Member States were members of the Commonwealth, the Summit
decided to give time to the Committee of Eight on Nigeria to come up with
proposals. Two of its members South Africa and Zimbabwe are members of SADC.
The Summit welcomed the programme of the Nigerian Government for transition
to democracy, as announced on October 1st, and hoped that it would be
implemented within the shortest possible time-frame.
The Summit also called on the Nigerian Government to create the necessary
conditions for the smooth and early transition to democracy.
The Summit further appealed to the Nigerian Government to release Chief Abiola,
former President Obasanjo and all others sentenced to imprisonment for plotting
against the state, as well as the latest nineteen MOSOP detainees.
The Summit called on the Nigerian Government to put in place a credible and
essentially civilian structure, to oversee and implement the transition process
to democracy.
The Summit called on the Nigerian Government to agree to the establishment
of an international monitoring mechanism to assist in the transitional process.
The Summit declared that the members of SADC remain committed to ensuring
that all necessary assistance is provided by the international community,
through the OAU, the Commonwealth and the United Nations, for the democratic
transition of Nigeria.
The Summit decided to remain seized of the matter on Nigeria and requested
the OAU Secretary General to brief the region from time to time.
COMMUNIQUÉ
BOTSWANA - GABORONE: 28 JUNE, 1996
The Summit of Heads of State or Government of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) met in Gaborone, the Republic of Botswana, on 28th June 1996,
under the Chairmanship of his Excellency, Sir Katumile Masire, President of the
Republic of Botswana, to launch the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense, and
Security.
Delegations of member States were led by the following:
Botswana : H.E. President Ketumile Masire
Malawi : H.E. President Bakili Muluzi
Mozambique : H.E. President Joaquim Chissano
Namibia : H.E. President Sam Nujoma
South Africa : H.E. President Nelson Mandela
Zimbabwe : H.E. President Robert Mugabe
Lesotho : Hon. Deputy Prime Minister P. Mosisili
Mauritius : Hon. Paul Berenger, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of
Foreign Affairs, International and Regional Cooperation
Zambia : Hon. Hon. Lt. General C.S. Tembo, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Swaziland : Hon. A.V. Khoza, Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Summit recalled that the Heads of State or Government had in May 1996
endorsed the recommendations of SADC Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs,
Defense and Security, proposing the establishment of the SADC Organ for
Politics, Defense and Security.
The Summit reaffirmed that the SADC organ constituted an appropriate institutional
framework by which SADC countries would coordinate their policies and
activities in the areas of politics, defense and security. The Summit,
therefore, agreed as follows:
Principles:
As, inter alia, set out in Article 4 of the SADC Treaty, the following
shall be in guiding principles for the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security:
a) sovereign equality of all member States;
b) respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each
State and for its inalienable right to independent existence;
c) achievement of solidarity, peace and security in the region;
d) observance of human rights, democracy and the rule of law;
e) promotion of economic development in the SADC region in order to
achieve for all member States, equity, balance and mutual benefit;
f) peaceful settlement of disputes by negotiation, mediation and
arbitration;
g) military intervention of whatever nature shall be decided upon only
after all possible political remedies have been exhausted in accordance with
the Charter of the OAU and the United Nations.
The Objectives of the Organ:
The SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security shall work to the following
objectives; namely to:
a) protect the people and safeguard the development of the region,
against instability arising from the breakdown of law and order, inter-state
conflict and external aggression;
b) promote political co-operation among States and the evolution of
common political value systems and institutions;
c) develop a common foreign policy in areas of mutual concern and
interest, and to lobby as a region, on issues of common interest at
international fora;
d) cooperate fully in regional security and defense through conflict
prevention management and resolution;
e) mediate in inter-state disputes and conflicts;
f) use preventive diplomacy to pre-empt conflict in the region, both
within and between states, through an early warming system;
g) where conflict does occur, to seek to end this quickly as possible
through diplomatic means. Only where such means fail would the Organ recommend
that the Summit should consider punitive measures. These responses would be agreed
in a Protocol on Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution;
h) promote and enhance the development of democratic institutions and
practices within member states, and to encourage the observance of universal
human rights as provided for in the Charters and Conventions of the OAU and the
United Nations;
i) promote peace-keeping and peace-keeping in order to achieve
sustainable peace and security;
j) give political support to the organs and institutions of SADC;
k) promote the political, economic social, and environmental dimensions
of security;
l) develop a collective security capacity and conclude a Mutual Defense
Pact for responding to external threats, and a regional peacekeeping within
national armies that could be called upon in the region, or elsewhere on the
continent;
m) develop close cooperation between the police and security services of
the region, with a view to ressing cross border crime, as well as promoting a
community-based approach on matters of unity;
n) encourage and monitor the ratification of United Nations, Organisation
of African Unity, and international conventions and treaties on arms control
and disarmament, human rights and peaceful relations between states;
o) coordinate the participation of member States in international and
regional peacekeeping operations, and
p) address extra-regional conflicts which impact on peace and security
in Southern Africa.
Institutional Framework
The SADC organ on Politics, Defense and Security shall operate at the Summit
level, and shall function independently of other SADC structures.
The Organ shall also operate at Ministerial and technical levels. The Chairmanship
of the Organ shall rotate on annual and on a Troika basis.
The Summit elected His Excellency, President Mugabe as the Chairman of
the Organ. The Chairman of the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security thanked
the Summit for having elected Zimbabwe to chair the Organ. He assured the
Summit that he will work closely with all member States and consult on all
issues pertaining to the work of the organ.
The Summit also agreed that the Inter-State Defense and Security Committees
shall be one of the institutions of the Organ. The Organ may establish other
structures as the need arises.
Furthermore, the Summit reviewed the political and security situation in
the region and noted efforts by Governments to consolidate democracy, peace and
stability within their countries. In that regard the Summit was briefed on
current developments in the following member States:
South Africa
The South Africa Government briefed the Summit on the local government
elections in the Kwazulu/Natal Province. The Government indicated that, the
local government elections could not take place on the 1st of November 1995 in
the province as was the case in the rest of the country because of the history
of political violence in the province. The elections were also postponed from
May 1996 to June 1996 for the same reasons. However, the elections were
generally free and fair, although there were few incidences of violence that
resulted in the loss of lives.
Due to irregularities, the elections were declared null and void in five
constituencies. New elections will be held in these areas as soon as possible.
While it was anticipated that the Inkhatha Freedom Party would have the overall
majority in the province, the ANC was expected to do very well in the major
urban areas of the province.
The Summit commended the Government and people of the Republic of South
Africa for working hard to ensure that the local elections in Kwazulu/Natal
were held in a climate of peace.
Swaziland
The Summit was briefed by the Government of Swaziland on the process of
constitutional reform and on-going labour unrest in that country. The Government
assured the Summit that everything was being done to reach an agreement with
trade unions and other labour associations.
The Summit expressed satisfaction that the process of constitutional reform
and measures to address labour unrest in the kingdom of Swaziland was well
underway and was being driven by the people of Swaziland themselves.
Zambia
The Government of Zambia briefed the Summit on recent constitutional changes
in that country. The Government assured the Summit that the process of
constitutional change followed all laid down procedures including the
mobilisation of the views of the people of Zambia. The Government of Zambia
expressed concern over the internationalisation of what is considered a
domestic matter. The Government assured the Summit that the security situation
was under control and that the government will do everything possible to ensure
that the general elections in October 1996 are held in a free and fair
environment.
The Summit noted with appreciation the brief on the political situation
in Zambia. The Summit was satisfied that the Government of Zambia would do
everything to ensure peace and stability in the country, and that the Government
undertook to keep the region informed of any developments that may warrant
Summit attention.
Lesotho
The Summit was briefed by the Government of Lesotho on the political situation
and the measures the government had taken to consolidate peace and stability in
that country.
The Summit noted with appreciation that there had been significant and commendable
development towards peace and stability in Lesotho.
Tanzania
The Summit was briefed by the government of Tanzania on the East Africa
Regional Summit which was held in Arusha on June 25 1996 to consider the
deteriorating political and security situation in Burundi and the efforts being
expanded to promote a political settlement to the conflict in that country.
The Summit commended the efforts of the region and those being expanded
within the framework of the initiative being undertaken by Mwalimu Julius K Nyerere
to bring about a negotiated solution and urged the countries of the region to
persist in the search for a lasting solution to the crisis in Burundi.
The Summit retired its support to these efforts and pledged its
readiness to help in the implementation of the decisions reached by that Arusha
regional Summit.
Report on the Commonwealth
The Summit was briefed by the Foreign Minister of Zimbabwe, Chairman of
the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) on the outcome of the recent
meeting held in London, from 24-25 June, 1996, between CMAG and a high level
Nigerian Government delegation.
The Minister told the meeting that the CMAG raised issues of human rights
and rule of law in Nigeria in the context of the principles enriched in the
Commonwealth Declaration. It referred to the detention of the people without
trial and other violations of human rights in Nigeria.
On its part, the Nigerian delegation questioned, on procedural grounds, the
suspension of Nigeria from the Commonwealth, and called for the reversal of the
suspension as well as the removal of sanctions against Nigeria.
The two sides agreed to continue the dialogue by holding another meeting
after consultations. CMAG decided to keep on reserve the measures it had
decided upon in April 1996 pending its nest meeting in September 1996 when
these measures will be reviewed in the light of progress made in respecting
human rights and the democratisation process in Nigeria.
The Summit expressed satisfaction with the work of the CMAG, and urged it
to continue consultations with the Government of Nigeria and to keep Summit
informed of any developments on this issue as appropriate.
The Summit thanked His Excellency, President Masire, the Government and
people of the Republic of Botswana for the cordial and brotherly welcomed and
hospitality accorded to Heads of State or Government and their delegations.
The Summit Chairman, His Excellency President Masire delivered a Closing
Statement outlining the background and mandate of the SADC Organ on Politics,
Defense and Security. The Chairman of the Organ, His Excellency President
Mugabe, made a response statement.
COMMUNIQUÉ
LESOTHO- MASERU : 24 AUGUST, 1996
1. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit met in Maseru,
Lesotho, on 24 August 1996, under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, Sir
Katumile Masire, President of the Republic of Botswana.
2. The Summit was attended by all Heads of State or Government (or their
representatives) of the SADC member States.
3. The Summit was also attended by the Secretary General of the Organisation
of African Unity (OAU), Dr. Salim A. Salim, the President of the African
Development bank (ADB), and Mr. Omar Kabbaj, the representative of the United
Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), as observers.
4. His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho delivered a Statement,
welcoming the Heads of State or Government and other delegates to the Summit.
His Majesty commended the SADC member States for their commitment to regional
cooperation, and to ensuring that regional programme will touch the lives of
ordinary citizens of the region, as borne out by the number of important
Protocols that SADC had concluded and signed by the Summit
in Maseru. For the Government and people of Lesotho, the Summit and the
signing of Protocols provided a historic landmark for the country, a place for
Lesotho in the SADC Annals.
5. His Excellency Sir Katumile Masire, President of the Republic of Botswana,
and Chairman of SADC delivered a statement, reviewing the activities of the
Organisation, as well as developments in the region and the world, since August
1995.
6. The Opening Ceremony was also addressed by President Benjamin Mkapa,
of Tanzania, who attend Summit for the first time as the President of Tanzania.
He assured Summit of his commitment and that of his Government to SADC. In his
statement, Hon. Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius, who
also attended Summit for the first time, pledged Mauritius’s commitment to work
closely with other SADC member States, and welcomed the allocation of the
sector on Tourism to Mauritius.
7. Summit reviewed political developments in the region since August
1995.
In particular, Summit noted the following:
7.1 An Extra-Ordinary Summit was convened in Gaborone, on June 28 1996, to
launch the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security under the Chairmanship
of His Excellency, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.
The Organ would become the foremost institution of SADC mandated to address
issues relating to political stability, conflict prevention, management and
resolution, democracy and human rights, as well as issues pertaining to peace,
as outlined in the terms of reference for the Organ.
7.2 The political situation in the region had remained stable during the
period of August 1995 to August 1996.
7.3 Although the Angolan peace process had registered some progress as
far as the cease fire was concerned, it was important to note the delays caused
by UNITA that had led to great difficulties in the implementation of actions
which would guarantee stability and lasting peace in Angola.
There had been delays in the implementation of the fundamental aspects of
the Lusaka Protocol, namely the selection and integration of the UNITA forces
into the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA), the return of UNITA generals into the FAA,
the removal of obstructions to the free movement of people and goods, and the
restoration of the authority of the State throughout national territory, as
well as the conclusion of the amendments to the constitution so as to permit the
creation of the offices of Vice-
President.
7.4 In this context, The Angolan Government thanked the Summit for its continued
support and appealed to the Summit to urge the UNITA leadership to conclude all
outstanding issues. Angola welcomed the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and
Security to meet in Angola soon after the Congress of UNITA or soon after the
meeting between the President of Angola and the leader of UNITA.
7.5 The Government and the people of Mozambique continue to make significant
strides in consolidating democracy, peace and stability.
Institutions of democracy were being strengthened. In this regard, preparations
were under way for the holding of the first local government elections. The
Government was implementing concrete plans for the reconstruction and
transformation of the economy, and these were already beginning to show some
positive results.
7.6 The situation in Zambia surrounding the constitutional debate was receiving
attention from the Government and people of Zambia. The international attempts
to internationalise the issue had not helped matters.
The Government had put in place mechanism to ensure that the elections later
in the year are free and fair.
7.7 The constitutional process in Swaziland had formally been put in
place following the official launching of the Constitutional Review Commission.
Internal national consultations were on-going between the Commission and
the citizens. The consultations were expected to result in an acceptable and
sustainable dispensation for the Swazi Nation.
7.8 With respect to South Africa, the recent Local Government elections
in Kwazulu-Natal were completed peacefully. These had brought a large measure
of hope for peace and stability in that province. It was hoped that these
measures and others being put in place would go a long way towards ending
violence and instability in the Province. The Government had also put in place
strategies for combating crime generally throughout the country. These were
already showing positive results and crime was declining.
7.9 The Government and the people of Lesotho continued to work together
to consolidate peace and stability. The causes of political conflict were being
addressed in order to pre-empt the recurrence of violence and instability in the
country.
7.10 Summit expressed serious concern over the recent military coup in Burundi,
which had delayed the realisation of an early solution to the conflict. In this
regard it supported the comprehensive sanctions imposed against the Buyoya
regime. The sanctions were aimed at returning Burundi to legitimacy and
constitutional negotiations in accordance with the decision of Arusha II
Regional Summit.
7.11 Summit reiterated its support for the Arusha Initiative, and the
Mwanza Peace process of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere as the best option towards the achievement
of lasting peace in Burundi.
8. Summit expressed satisfaction that political stability, peace,
democracy and human rights continued to deepen throughout Southern Africa.
Multiparty general elections were being held throughout the region. Other political
reforms, especially the constitutional and electoral systems to ensure
transparency and predictability of the systems, were being put in place. These
measures were very necessary for the promotion of investment flows and the
improvement of the overall investment climate of the region.
9. Summit was pleased that, as a result of these measures, world
attention on Southern Africa, especially by international investors, had been increasing
considerably.
10. Summit noted, with satisfaction, the following progress in the implementation
of the Community Building Programme:
10.1 All member States signed the following four Protocols, except
Angola which did not sign the Protocols on Trade and Transport, Communications and
Meteorology, in order to allow for internal processes to be completed:
a) Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking
The Protocol provides a policy framework that allows the SADC region to
cooperate in ensuring that the region does not become a producer, consumer,
exporter and distributor of illicit drugs, and a conduit for illicit drugs
destined for international markets.
To achieve this the protocol provides for cooperation among law enforcement
agencies and the judiciary systems of the region.
b) Energy
The Protocol provides for the harmonisation and integration of national
and regional energy policies, strategies and programmes on matters of common
interest, based on equity, balance and mutual benefit. The Protocol provides
for cooperation in the development of energy pooling to ensure security and
reliability of supply and reduction of costs.
c) Transport, Communications and Meteorology
The Protocol provides for the establishment and integration of transport,
communications and meteorology systems which would ensure the development of
efficient, cost effective and fully integrated infrastructure and operations
which best meet the needs of customers, and promote economic and social development
while being environmentally and economically sound and sustainable.
The Protocol also provides for the engagement of all stakeholders in the
development, utilisation and maintenance of strategic infrastructure Within an
environment promotive of efficiency.
d) Trade
The SADC Trade Protocol provides for the further liberalisation of
intra-regional trade in goods and services on the basis of fair, equitable and
mutually beneficial trade arrangements, with a view to the eventual
establishment of a Free Trade Area.
The Trade Protocol provides for the phased reduction and eventual
elimination of import duties and other charges of equivalent effect on goods
originating in member States. Nontariff barriers are also expected to be
eliminated completely over time.
The ultimate objective of the Trade Protocol is to create an integrated
Regional market in order to boost economic development, diversification and the
industrialisation of the region through the realisation of enhanced economies
of scale.
10.2 With respect to the issue of illicit drug trafficking, Summit
expressed alarm at the growing menace posed by drug trafficking and called for
stiff sentences to be imposed on traffickers and for strong measures to control
this scourge. In this regard Summit welcomed the conclusion of a regional protocol
that will assist the region in eliminating the scourge of drugs, and the use of
the region as a conduit for drugs destined to the rest of the world.
10.3 Summit committed itself to speed up the ratification process of the
Protocols in order to enable these instruments to come into force as the basis
for cooperation in the region.
10.4 Summit was pleased that work was under way to finalise the
protocols on:
- Free Movement of SADC Persons, which would provide a framework enabling
SADC citizens to identify with each other as belonging to one region, and
enable citizens to seek to cooperate across national boundaries.
- Human Resources Development, which would provide a framework for
joint effort by the region in addressing issues pertaining to training, joint
utilisation of skills and training infrastructure, employment creation and
problems of productivity.
- Mining, which would provide a framework for the full
involvement of stakeholders in the tapping of the region’s mineral wealth for
the advancement of the economies of SADC member States.
- Tourism, which would provide for a policy framework that will
guide the sustainable development of the region’s Tourism Industry.
11. Summit noted with appreciation the direct involvement of civil
society and the non-state sector such as NGOs, researchers, academies and the private
sector in the work of SADC, and that many were already attending technical
workshops, seminars and meetings of the Organisation. In this respect, Summit
accepted the Southern Africa Economic Summit forum for policy dialogue between
the private sector and political leadership of the region.
12. Summit observed with satisfaction the following developments with
regard to each Member State’s economic performance and other developments in
the SADC region:
12.1 Forecasts indicated and above average cereal harvest of 26.36
million tonnes for 1995/96 crop season, a 62% increase over 1994/95 harvest of 16.27
million tonnes. Maize output was currently forecast at 20.24 million tonnes, an
increase of 80% over 1994/95 of 11.27 million tonnes which was 15% higher than
SADC average of 17.50 million tonnes.
12.2 Total domestic maize availability (forecast opening stocks plus production)
was projected at 20.79 million tonnes as against projected requirements of
17.74 million tonnes including projected Strategic Grain Reserves (SRG) stocks
of 1.56 million tonnes, giving a surplus of 1.59 million tonnes, Substantial
maize output were forecast for all SADC member States with South Africa,
Zimbabwe and Botswana anticipating 100% increases.
13. Summit noted with concern that, while the rest of the region was
expecting good harvest, Namibia had to declare yet another year of drought.
Summit directed the relevant Sectors of SADC to work closely with the Government
of Namibia in identifying the country’s needs and how these could be addressed.
14. Summit expressed satisfaction that the region’s 1995 GDP rose by 3.5
per cent, as compared to 2.7 per cent in 1994, and expressed concern that the
growth rate was not high enough to become a basis for addressing the region’s
growing army of the unemployed.
15. Summit expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the implementation
of the SADC Programme of Action.
16. Summit approved the Sanctions to be applied to member States in
arrears on their financial contributions to SADC Institutions, which would
become effective as of 30 September 1996.
17. Summit noted that the Joint SADC/COMESA Ministerial Committee met in
Harare, from 31 July to 1 August, 1996 to discuss and agree on the agenda and
programme for the Joint SADC/COMESA Summit. Summit deferred the holding of the
SADC/COMESA Joint Summit, to allow the Joint Ministerial Committee to complete
its work. The Joint Summit would only be held when the Joint Ministerial
Committee had completed its work.
18. Summit was briefed by the Chairman of SADC on the launching of the SADC
Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, which took place in Gaborone, in June
1996, at an Extra-Ordinary Meeting of Summit. Summit agreed that the first
meeting of the Organ should take place in Angola, to lend support to the peace
process in that country.
19. Summit noted the preparations for the CITES Conference (COP 10), to
be held in Zimbabwe in June, 1997, and urged all member States to assist Zimbabwe
in ensuring that the Conference became successful, especially in addressing the
region’s concerns on the conservation and sustainable utilisation of its
wildlife resources. In particular, Summit retired its position on the
down-listing of elephants, and directed the relevant SADC Institutions to
ensure that the Conference should endorse SADC’s position in order to allow the
region to utilise wildlife products arising from culling of elephants, as part
of the region’s wildlife resources management. Malawi, as Sector Coordinator
would convene a SADC ministerial meeting to develop a regional position, for
the CITES Conference, in Harare.
20. Summit urged member States to attend the World Solar Summit, to be held
in Zimbabwe, in September, 1996.
21. The term of office for the current Chairman (Botswana) and Vice Chairman
(Swaziland) came to an end in August, 1996. Summit elected His Excellency,
President Nelson Mandela of South Africa as the new Chairman and His Excellency
President Chissano of Mozambique, as Vice Chairman of SADC, for the next three
years, starting on 1 September, 1996.
22. The next venue of the Summit would be announced later after consultations.
23. The Chairman and President of the Republic of Botswana, His
Excellency Sir Katumile Masire delivered a closing statement. President Masire thanked
the Summit for the support he had received during his Term of Office. He urged
the Summit t support the in-coming Chairman and Vice-Chairman
24. A Vote of Thanks was proposed by President Frederick Chiluba, of Zambia.
25. President Mandela of South Africa, the in-coming Chairman, delivered
a statement in which he thanked the out-going Chairman for having managed the
affairs of SADC with commendable commitment and dedication, and for having set
standards that future Chairman should emulate. He thanked the Summit for the
confidence it had shown in his country by electing him Chairman.
Summit thanked His Majesty, King Letsie III, The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister
Ntsu Mokhehle, the government and people of the Kingdom of Lesotho for the excellent
arrangements made and facilities provided for the meetings. The Summit also
expressed profound appreciation for the cordial and brotherly welcome and
hospitality accorded to Heads of State or Government and their delegations.
SUMMIT OF THE SADC ORGAN
ON POLITICS, DEFENSE AND SECURITY
COMMUNIQUE
ANGOLA - LUANDA: 2 OCTOBER, 1996
The Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security took place
in Luanda, Republic of Angola, on the 2 October 1996.
Participating in the Summit were:
Zimbabwe : H.E. President Robert Gabriel Mugabe (Chairman)
Angola : H.E. President Jose Eduardo dos Santos
Botswana : H.E. President Sir Katumile Masire
Mozambique : H.E. President Joaquim Chissano
Namibia : H.E. President Sam Nujoma
Zambia : H.E. President Frederick J.T. Chiluba
South Africa : H.E. President Nelson Mandela
Swaziland : Hon. Prime Minister B.S. Dlamini
Lesotho : Hon. Deputy Prime Minister P. Mosisili
Mauritius : Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs,
International and Regional Cooperation, Mr. Paul Raymond Berenger
Malawi : H.E. Acting High Commissioner in Namibia, T.L.Maruwasa
The Summit was briefed by the President of the Republic of Angola, H.E. President
Jose Eduardo dos Santos, on the status of the peace process under the terms of
the 1994 Lusaka Protocol.
The Summit was also briefed, on the situation regarding the overall
Angolan peace process, by Maitre Alioune Beye, the Special Representative
of the UN Secretary General to Angola.
The Summit expressed concern over the slow progress and apparent stalemate
in the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol.
The Summit expressed deep regret over the absence of the Unita leader, Dr.
Jonas Savimbi from the Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and
Security and this crucial time of the peace process. The Summit felt that Dr.
Savimbi’s presence would have immensely contributed to its understanding of
Unita’s concerns and anxieties, and thereby reinvigorating the peace process.
The Summit called for an early high level meeting between the Angolan Government
and Unita, in order to pave the way for the resolution of all outstanding
issues, including the formation of the national army and a government of
national unity and reconciliation in accordance with the provisions of the
Lusaka Protocol.
The Summit made a strong appeal to Unita to fulfill its commitments
within the deadlines established by the Lusaka Protocol and the UN Security Council
resolution number 864/93. In this regard, the Summit further appealed to all
countries to refrain from any acts that may negatively affect the resolution of
the Angolan conflict.
The Summit called on the International Community to continue to provide material
support to the peace process at this critical stage in order to facilitate the
demobilisation and integration exercises.
The Summit noted that the prevailing situation in Angola is the
remaining major obstacle to total regional stability within the SADC region,
which is seriously hindering the joint development programmes of the region,
and in this context urged Unita to commit itself to peace and democracy in Angola
as to contribute effectively to the establishment of a new era of peace and
co-operation in Southern Africa.
The Summit expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the UN
Secretary General, his Special Representative to Angola, UNAVEM III, and the Troika
of Observers in the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol.
The Summit resolved to send a team of five Ministers to the New York to present
the regional position on the Angola peace process to the Security Council.
The Summit called upon the Security Council at its next meeting on Angola
to take into consideration the latest actions by Unita and adopt measures,
within the framework of resolution 864/93, which shall oblige Unita to fully
and urgently respect the deadlines established by the Security Council.
The Summit expressed its gratitude to the Government and people of Angola,
for the warm hospitality extended to them and their delegations.
COMMUNIQUE
MALAWI - BLANTYRE: 8 AUGUST, 1997
The Summit of Heads of State or Government of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) met in Blantyre, the Republic of Malawi, on 8 August 1997,
under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, Mr Nelson Mandela, President of the
Republic of South Africa.
Delegations of Member States were led by the following:
Swaziland : His Majesty King Mswati III
Botswana : H.E. Sir Katumile Masire - President
Zimbabwe : H.E. Mr Robert Mugabe - President
Mozambique : H.E. Mr Joaquim Chissano - President
Namibia : H.E. Dr Sam Nujoma - President
Zambia : H.E. Mr Frederick Chiluba - President
Malawi : H.E. Dr Bakili Muluzi - President
Tanzania : H.E. Mr Benjamin Mkapa - President
Mauritius : Rgt. Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam – Prime Minister
Lesotho : His Honour Dr. Pakalitha Mosisili – Deputy Prime Minister
Angola : Hon. Pedro de Castro Van-Dunem “Loy” - Minister of Public Works
and Urban Development
South Africa : Hon. Mrs Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi – Ministry of Welfare
and Population Development
The Summit was also attended by the Secretary General of the Organisation
of African Unity (OAU), Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, the Acting Secretary General of
the Common Market for Southern and Eastern African States (COMESA), Mr J.E.O.
Mwencha, the Secretary General of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Madame
Gertrude Mongella and representatives of the African Development Bank (ADB) and
the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
His Excellency President Muluzi delivered a welcome address and called on
SADC member States to improve the efficiency and productivity of their manufacturing
industries in order to facilitate increased intra-regional trade. President
Muluzi emphasised that particular attention should be given to the development
of small and medium scale enterprises, the informal sector and the small holder
agriculture sector, as these sectors offer real prospects for gains in
productivity. In addition President Muluzi noted that women are key workers and
major contributors to the incomes of the majority of the region’s rural as well
as urban households. He called on member States to enhance the legal and
socio-economic status of women.
The Chairman of the Summit His Excellency President Mandela delivered the
official opening statement reviewing activities of the Organisation as well as
developments in the region and elsewhere since August 1996.
President Mandela in particular highlighted ongoing efforts to transform
institutional structures of SADC and rationalise the policies and activities of
the Organisation.
The Chairman called on member States to demonstrate the courage, vision
and determination necessary to transform SADC into a major role player in
continental and global affairs. President Mandela also emphasised that the
right of citizens to participate unhindered in political activities of the
country of their birth was a non-negotiable basic principle of SADC. His
Excellency warmed that SADC, collectively, could not remain silent when
political or civil movements are harassed and suppressed through harts state
action.
The Opening Ceremony was also addressed by SADC Executive Secretary, Dr.
Kaire Mbuende who noted that the process of globalisation offers a numerous
opportunities that the region can take advantage of, and urged member States to
invest in the development of technology and infrasctrure. Dr Mbuende, however,
warmed member States that the risk of marginalisation was real, especially in
the light of continued confinement of the region’s economies to the export of
primary commodities, particularly in the agricultural and mining sectors.
OAU Secretary General, Dr. Salim in his address underscored the important
role to be played by SADC, as a regional building block, in the realization of
the African Economic Community. The Secretary General urged all governments and
people of the African continent to accord top priority, on the national agenda,
to issues of economic and social development of their countries, and to ensure
that policies and programmes of the regional economic communities to which they
belong, are in responses to, and in support of national priorities.
Another address was made by Madame Mongella who pointed out that the signing
of the SADC Declaration on Gender reflected the Organisation’s capacity and
willingness to break new ground and adapt with the times.
Madame Mongella expressed hope that the new institutional framework for
gender in SADC, which includes a Gender Unit at the SADC Secretariat, will be
placed at senior level in decision makers structures, and allocated sufficient
resources to make a meaningful difference.
A representative of the youth of Malawi, Mr Chimwemwe Matonga, also addressed
the Summit and commended the Summit for recognising the importance of involving
youth in development as they are the most energetic group that can ensure
sustained development into the future. Mr Matonga noted that SADC countries
faced the challenge of fulfilling aspirations of the youth of numerous problems
such as illiteracy, unemployment, HIV/AIDS and drug abuse amongst young people.
The Summit reviewed political developments in the region and noted that over
the past year, the region has on the whole enjoyed political stability and
continued to promote a culture of democratic governance and respect for human
rights. In particular the Summit commended the governments and people of
Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia who have continued to consolidate
their democracies since the holding of the last general elections.
Notwithstanding these positive developments, the Angolan situation has recently
become a source of great concern. Despite earlier successes in the
implementation of creation aspects of the Angolan peace process, the situation
appears to be deteriorating towards renewed civil war. The apparent lack of
commitment by UNITA to participate fully in the
government of national unity and to implement other key provisions of
the Lusaka Protocol, namely, cooperating with the Government in the normalisation
of the State’s Administration throughout nation territory, transforming their
radio station into a commercial and non-partisan station, and, more
importantly, completing the demilitarization of it military forces in order to
transform itself into a political party, remain sources of concern and anxiety
within SADC.
SADC, therefore, should support the OAU and UN Security Council and positions,
mainly the 1127 resolution related to imposing sanctions against UNITA to force
it to comply fully with the provisions of the Lusaka Protocol. A regional
mechanism to address the crisis should also be put in place.
The Summit also noted that the Summit of the Organisation of African Unity
(OAU) and the African Economic Community (AEC) met in Harare, the Republic of
Zimbabwe in June 1997. The Summit further congratulated His Excellency
President Robert Mugabe for being elected Chairman of the OAU.
With regard to political development elsewhere on the African continent,
the Summit reviewed developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),
formerly Zaire, and expressed optimism that efforts of the Government to usher
in a new era of political stability in the economic reconstruction would be
successful. The Summit agreed that DRC has major strategic significance to the
region because the country shares borders with several SADC countries and has great
potential to cooperate with SADC in key sectors such as Energy, Water, Tourism,
Transport and Communications.
The Summit was greatly concerned by the security situation in the Great Lakes
Region, particularly in Burundi. Summit noted and encouraged the efforts by the
countries in the region to bring the military authorities to the political
negotiating table leading to a dispensation guaranteeing democracy and security
for all in Burundi.
The Summit also urged the regional leaders in the Great Lakes Region to continue
their efforts and reaffirmed its confidence in Mwalimu Julius Nyerere as
Facilitator of the Burundi Peace of Process. The Summit also supported the call
of the Dar Es Salaam Great Lakes Regional Summit of 4 August 1997, for the
Burundi Military government to create propitious conditions as outlined in the
Dar Es Salaam Communiqué in order to allow the negotiations to take place as
soon as possible.
The Summit reviewed progress in the implementation of the SADC Community
Building Programme which centres around the involvement of stakeholders in
development sectoral protocols intended to guide and give a legal framework to
the process of regional integration. The Summit noted that internal
consultations were ongoing in member States regarding ratification and
implementation of existing protocols.
The Summit commended Ministers responsible for Trade for establishing modalities
for tariff reduction and tariff structure as the first critical stage for
ratification of the SADC Trade Protocol by all member States. The Summit agreed
that the Trade Protocol was central to the process of regional integration and
cooperation in Southern Africa.
The Summit, however, expressed concern at the seemingly slow peace of ratification
of the Trade Protocols by member States in view of the critical importance of
the Protocol and the high expectations of both the regional business community
and foreign investors who are eager to benefit from the SADC Free Trade Area.
in that regard, the Summit urged member States to give the highest priority
possible to issues concerning the ratification and implementation of the
protocol. The Summit on the other hand commended Mauritius and Tanzania for
having taken the lead by ratifying the Trade Protocol timorously.
The Summit noted with concern the continued epidemic out break of Contagious
Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) or cattle Lung Disease in Angola, Namibia,
Tanzania and Zambia. The Summit further noted that in Botswana the disease has
recently been eradicated following destruction of 320,000 infected cattle by
the authorities. Other countries such as Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa and
Mozambique are also at high risk.
The Summit noted with appreciation that internal and regional workshops had
been held by SADC to address the CBPP situation. The Summit agreed that the
main problem in the control of disease was lack of resources, especially
financial, to put in place effective national and regional disease control
mechanisms. The Summit expressed sincere gratitude to International Cooperating
Partners who provide financial resources to the workshops.
The Summit emphasised that CBPP is a regional problem which can only be
eradicated through a regionally coordinated strategy. The Summit agreed that
the epidemic had indeed reached crisis proportions and was a serious economic
threat to the region which relies heavily on livestock farming. The Summit,
therefore called on the international community to appreciate the gravity of
the CBPP threat and to accordingly provide both technical and financial
assistance to affected countries. Furthermore, the Summit directed, as a matter
of urgency, the SADC Sector for Animal Disease Control and the SADC Secretariat
should work together to mobilise resources and launch an international appeal
to assist in the region the eradication of the disease.
The Summit noted equal concern the possibility of a severe drought in
the region caused by the phenomenon of El Nino. The Summit agreed that developments
associated with El Nino should be closely monitored by the SADC Regional Early
Warming System to ensure that all the necessary preparations are in place to
minimise the impact of such drought particularly on rural communities and
livestock. The Summit noted with appreciation that the SADC Food Security Unit
would this week be holding an international conference in Kadoma, the Republic
of Zimbabwe, where experts from all over the world will be discussing prospects
for the 1997/98 season.
The Summit considered and signed new protocols on Mining, and Education
and Training. The Protocol on Mining provides for the harmonisation of national
and regional policies, strategies and programmes related to the development and
exploitation of mineral resources in the SADC region. The Summit agreed that
the ultimate objective of the Protocol was to promote interdependence and
integration of the region’s mining industry with a view to enhancing its competitiveness
and increasing the region’s share in international mineral markets.
The Education and Training Protocol on the other hand provides a policy framework
that allows the SADC region to progressively move towards equivalence,
harmonisation and eventual standardisation of member states education and
training systems. The Summit decided that areas of cooperation will, inter
alia, cover the development and formulation of coherent education and training
policies, basic education, intermediate education and training, higher
education and training, research and development as well as publishing end
library services.
The Summit discussed issues concerning gender and development and the
need to ban anti personnel landmines. In that regard the Summit made landmark
declarations on the respective areas of concern. The Declaration on Gender
accepts that gender equality is a fundamental human right and demands equal
representation of women and men in decision making structures at all levels as
well as women’s full access to, and control of productive resources such as
land, livestock, credit, modern technology and formal employment.
In that regard, the Summit welcomed the book by the Advisory Committee on
Gender which chronicles proceedings of workshops leading to the adoption of a
SADC Gender Programme by the Council of Ministers in February this year. The
book was launched at the Summit closing ceremony by His Excellency President
Mandela, the Chairman of SADC.
The anti-personnel landmine declaration entitled “Towards a Southern Africa
Free of Anti-Personnel Landimines” recalls the savagery and human suffering
unleashed on innocent civilians in the region by the indiscriminate use of
anti-personnel landmines during Southern Africa’s wars of liberation and
internal armed conflicts. The Declaration envisages a “landmine free”
Southern Africa and calls for the total ban on use, production, trade and
stockpiling of anti personnel landmines in the territories of SADC member
countries.
The Summit noted the call by the 4th International NGO Conference on Landmines
held in Maputo, the Republic of Mozambique in February 1997, that SADC Governments
should take appropriate measures to make the region a mine free zone. The
Summit also expressed support for the respective resolutions by both the UN
General Assembly and OAU calling for an International Ban Treaty and a
continental ban on antipersonnel landmines. The Summit agreed that the SADC
declaration on anti-personnel landmines would contribute greatly towards
regional and international support for the signing of the Total Ban Treaty in
Ottawa, Canada, in December 1997.
The Summit considered the Charter of the Regional Tourism Organisation of
Southern Africa (RETOSA). Summit endorsed the decision by Council to have the
Charter signed by the SADC Ministers responsible for Tourism.
The Summit discussed matters regarding a SADC common position on African
Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) and European Union (EU) negotiations for
Post Lome arrangements and agreed the the objective of SADC and ACP partners is
to ensure that benefits from ACP-EU cooperation are maintained and improved but
not undermined. The Summit, therefore, underlined the need to preserve the
acquis of the Lome Convention. The Summit emphasised that ACP-EU cooperation through
the successive Lome conventions was essentially a political choice and cannot
be decided in a vacuum. In that regard, the Summit agreed that the continued
solidarity and unity of ACP countries as well as the political commitment of
both the ACP and the EU to the principles and objectives of the Lome Convention
were central to SADC negotiating strategy on Post Lome arrangements.
With regard to the region’s economic performance the Summit expressed satisfaction
that member States have generally adopted pragmatic policies aimed at fostering
financial stability, private sector participation and market-led economic growth.
The Summit noted that all the twelve member States had registered positive
growth in 1996, ranging from 2% to over 10%. The Summit also commended both
national and regional efforts to make Southern Africa an attractive investment
destination. In addition the Summit endorsed decisions and recommendations made
at the 1997 Southern Africa Economic Summit, held in Harare, calling, inter
alia, for fundamental economic reforms and meaningful involvement of the
private sector in economic policy making and implementation.
The Summit received a briefing from his Excellencies President Masire and
President Nujoma on the SMART Partnership Initiative which was hosted for the
first time in the region this year. The Summit agreed that the SMART
Partnership Initiative will complement ongoing SADC efforts to forge closer
economic alliances with other developing regions. In that regard, the Summit
commended the Government of the Republic of Namibia for inviting the 1998 SMART
Partnership Meeting to Windhoek.
The Summit discussed an update report on SADC-COMESA relations and expressed
satisfaction that the sister organisations have amicably reached a common
understanding on the need to co-exist whist ensuring maximum coordination and
harmonisation of their respective programmes of action.
In that regard, the Summit concluded that the planned Joint SADC/COMESA
Extraordinary Summit would no longer be necessary.
The Summit directed the SADC Secretariat to consult and liaise with its COMESA
counterpart on areas on mutual interest to avoid duplication of efforts.
The Summit also noted that the Summit of the African Economic Community
(AEC) met for the first time at the 1997 Harare OAU Summit in June. The Summit
reaffirmed the critical role to be played by SADC and other Regional Economic
Communities (RECS) in realising the objectives of the African Economic
Community. In that regard, the Summit noted with appreciation the efforts the
SADC Secretariat is making to develop close relations with the Joint
Secretariat of the AEC and the OAU and other economic groupings as part of
SADC’s contribution towards the establishment of a continental economic
community.
The Summit discussed the establishment of the SAC Parliamentary Forum comprising
all the national parliaments of member States. The Summit welcomed this
initiative and agreed that the Forum will play a major role in promoting
dialogue and popular participation, particularly at the grassroot level, in the
affairs of SADC. The Summit, therefore, approved the establishment of the SADC
Parliamentary Forum as an autonomous institution.
The Summit considered applications for membership of SADC by the Democratic
Republic of Congo and the Republic of Seychelles. The Summit agreed that the
two countries satisfied the criteria for admission of new members and also that
both the Congo and Seychelles have tremendous potential to benefit the Southern
Africa region through their active participation in the SADC Programme of
Action. In that regard, the Summit unanimously decided to accept the two
members into the SADC family of nations.
The Summit noted that the first term of the office of the Executive Secretary
of SADC, Dr Kaire Mbuende, was coming to an end in December, 1997. The Summit
decided to extend Dr Mbuende’s contract for a further four year term as SADC
Executive Secretary.
The Summit witnessed the launch, by His Excellency President Mandela, of
the Laissez-Passer. The travel document, which has the status of a diplomatic
passport, grants visa-free to holders into the territory of member States. The
Summit noted that the Laissez-Passer would be issued, for the time being, only
to staff of the SADC Secretariat and SADC Commissions.
The Right. Hon. Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam addressed the Summit during
the Closing Ceremony and invited the 1998 Summit to Mauritius.
His Excellency President Nujoma made a statement of Vote of Thanks and
urged member States to demonstrate unreserved support at all levels for SADC
infrastructural development projects which link together countries of the
region.
His Excellency President Mandela made the closing statement, and on behalf
of Summit delegations, expressed sincere gratitude to the Government and people
of the Republic of Malawi for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements
made for the 1997 Summit.
COMMUNIQUE
MAURITIUS - GRAND BAIE: 13-14 SEPTEMBER, 1998
The Summit of Heads of State or Governments of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) met at Grand Baie, the Republic of Mauritius, on the 13th and
14th September 1998, under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, Mr Nelson
Mandela, President of the Republic of South Africa.
Delegations of Member States were led by the following:
Swaziland : His Majesty King Mswati III
Angola : H.E. Mr Jose Eduardo dos Santos - President
Zimbabwe : H.E. Mr Roberto Mugabe - President
Mozambique : H.E. Mr Joaquim Chissano - President
Namibia : H.E. Dr Sam Nujoma - President
Zambia : H.E. Mr Frederick J.T. Chiluba - President
Malawi : H.E. Dr Bakili Muluzi - President
Tanzania : H.E. Mr Benjamin Mkapa - President
Democratic Republic of Congo : H.E. Mr Laurent Kabila - President
Botswana : H.E. Mr Festus Mogae - President
Mauritius : Rt. Hon. Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam – Prime Minister
Lesotho : Rt. Hon. Prof. Pakalitha Mosisili – Prime Minister
Seychelles : Hon. Mr Jeremie Bonnelame - Minister of Foreign Affairs
South Africa : Mr Anthony Mongalo - Deputy Director-General, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs
The Summit was also attended by the Secretary General of the Organisation
of African Unity (OAU), Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, the President of the African
Development Bank (ADB), Mr. Omar Kabbaj, the Secretary General of the Common
Market for Southern and Eastern African States (COMESA), Mr Erastus Mwencha,
and the Acting Director of the Southern African Sub-Regional Development Centre
of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Mr Robert Okello,
on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the ECA, Mr K.Y. Amaoko.
The Summit formally welcomed the Democratic Republic of Congo and the
Republic of Seychelles as full members of SADC, following their fulfillment of
the provisions of the Treaty.
The Rt. Hon. Ramgoolam delivered a welcome address, and said that as a
relatively new member, Mauritius felt particularly privileged to host the Summit.
He pledged his country’s commitment to regional cooperation and integration,
and acknowledged the important strides that SADC had made towards achieving its
goals. He emphasised the need for SADC to be a strife free region, and the
eradication of poverty, if it is to join the mainstream of global development.
The Chairman of the Summit, His Excellency President Mandela, who delivered
the official opening statement, expressed satisfaction over the significantly
improved overall macro-economic situation in the region. He commended SADC
Governments for their commitment to the implementation of sound economic
policies, and for their resolve to make Southern Africa the number one
destination for international investors.
President Mandela observed that regional development and stability could
not be achieved without social justice and equity.
He therefore praised SADC for its efforts in ensuring that Member States
benefit from equitable regional integration.
His Excellency, President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, in his address, briefed
the Summit on recent developments in Angola. President dos Santos brought the
attention of the Summit to the fact that the Lusaka Protocol, which was to have
been implemented in 18 months, will soon be completing its fourth year. He
reminded Summit of the many concessions the Government of Angola made to Dr
Savimbi, which include offering him a post of Vice President of the Republic,
and the 400 bodyguards that he demanded, all of which he has refused to accept.
On regional integration, President dos Santos acknowledge the steady progress
SADC was making in the establishment of a single economic space, which would
give the region more bargaining power in the global economy.
The Opening Ceremony was also addressed by SADC Executive Secretary, Dr
Kaire Mbuende who urged Member States to aim for annual GDP growth rates of 8%
if they are to make inroads in the reduction of poverty, as well as the
creation of gainful employment. Dr Mbende expressed optimism that with its
abundance of resources, the SADC region can achieve this growth rate, provided
appropriate sectoral policies and strategies continue to be put in place by
SADC and its Member States.
In his address to the Summit, Mr Jeremie Bonnelame, the Minister for Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles, expressed the appreciation of his
Government on being admitted as a full member of SADC. He described SADC as a
dynamic regional grouping that is making significant progress in promoting
sustainable development and economic growth.
The Assistant Secretary General of the OAU and African Economic Community,
Ambassador Vijay S. Makhan, stressed that the success of African integration
and the establishment of the African Economic Community will very much depend
on the seriousness and commitment with regional economic communities such as
SADC, tackles issues of integration, as well as negative factors such as
conflict, which thwart socio-economic development efforts. He called for
effective leadership that encompasses regional, continental and global
considerations, in order for Africa to face the challenges of the third
millennium.
The President of the African Development Bank Mr Omar Kabbaj briefed the
Summit on how the ADB was responding to the challenges of the involving global
environment as well as how the bank was proceeding to build partnership and
dialogue with the Southern Africa region. Mr Kabbaj appealed to the Summit to
urge SADC Member States to play a supportive role in the in-going negotiations
for replenishment of the Africa Development Fund (ADF) resources.
The Summit paid a glowing tribute to Sir Katumile Masire, the former President
of Botswana, for his outstanding contribution to the region during his `6 year
tenure of office as SADC Chairman, as well as his distinguished and exemplary
leadership as State President of Botswana for 18 years. In recognition of this,
the Summit bestowed the Seretse Khama SADC medal upon Sir Katumile Masire.
In response, Sir Katumile commended SADC for the achievement made in the
development of the region’s infrastructure, which has facilitated communication
within the region. He however underlined the imperative for the governments of
the region to accept the responsibility for addressing the decline in the
standard of living of the people of Southern Africa. He reminded Summit that
the era for blaming apartheid and colonialism is over.
The Summit expressed satisfaction over the predominantly peaceful atmosphere
of political stability prevailing in Southern Africa. It commended Member
States for their concerted efforts to consolidate democracy, good governance
and respect for human rights. In particular, the Summit noted with appreciation
the holding of multi party elections in Lesotho in May and the first municipal
elections in Mozambique in June 1998.
The Summit noted with satisfaction that the process of political reform
in Swaziland was in progress, with the Constitutional Review Commission expected
to complete its work on a new constitution within two years. The Summit
welcomed the smooth transfer of power in Botswana following the retirement of
Sir Katumile Masire from the presidency of Botswana. The Summit paid tribute to
President Nelson Mandela of the Republic of South
Africa for wise leadership he has provided to the African National Congress
as its President for many years. The Summit congratulated him for setting the
scene for a younger person to assume the reigns of office in 1999. The Summit
observed that such orderly change in leadership reflected the maturity of the
region’s evolving democratic culture.
The Summit expressed concern at the civil disturbances and loss of life following
the recent elections in Lesotho. The Summit welcomed the mediation initiative
led by the South African government, which resulted in the setting up of a SADC
Committee of Experts to investigate the validity or otherwise of allegations
that the elections were fraudulent.
The Summit also expressed concern at the recent developments in Angola,
and strongly condemned Dr Savimbi’s belligerent non-compliance with the major
provisions of the Lusaka Protocol, which commits him to full demilitarisation
of his armed forces, participation in a government of national unity and a
national defense force.
The Summit urged Member States to ensure tight regulation and improved control
of airports and airspace to ensure effective implementation of the UN sanctions
against UNITA. The Summit undertook to adopt the necessary measures to ensure
compliance with decisions Member States have made through SADC, OAU and UN
resolutions on this matter. The Summit further called on the international
community, particularly countries and leaders who have an influence on Dr
Savimbi to persuade the rebel movement to re-dedicate itself to the path of
peace and reconstruction in Angola as a matter of urgency.
The Summit expressed deep regret at the outbreak or war in DRC, as a result
of attempts by rebels and their allies to forcefully remove the Government of
President Kabila from power.
The Summit welcomed initiatives by SADC and its Member States intended
to assist in the restoration of peace, security and stability in DRC, in
particular the Victoria Falls and Pretoria initiatives. In that regard, the Summit
reaffirmed its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and commended the
Governments of Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe for timorously providing troops to
assist the Government and people of the DRC defeat the illegal attempt by
rebels and their allies to capture the capital city, Kinshasa, and other
strategic areas. The Summit emphasized the need for all political actors in the
DRC to commit themselves to orderly and peaceful transition to multi-party
democracy, primarily through constructive consultations and negotiations
involving all stakeholders.
The Summit expressed its heartfelt condolences to the Governments and peoples
of Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa and the United States over the hundreds of
lives which were lost as a result of explosive devices which detonated at
American embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya, as well as a
restaurant in Cape Town, South Africa, in August, 1998. The Summit condemned
this cowardly and barbaric act in the strongest possible terms. In the same
vein, the Summit expressed its strongest reservations regarding the US
Government’s unilateral act in the missile bombing of a presumed “terrorist
target’ in Sudan. The Summit emphasised the need to demonstrate confidence in
continental and international fora such as the OAU and UN Security Council in
seeking collective action to combat common threats to international peace and security.
The Summit noted with regret that the Great Lakes region continued to pose
serious security and refugees problems to the regions of eastern, central and
Southern Africa. The Summit called on the International Community to provide the
necessary diplomatic and logistical support towards efforts by regional leaders
to start a genuine process of negotiations in the Great Lakes, including
Burundi and Rwanda, leading to a new political dispensation guaranteeing
liberty, democracy and security for all citizens.
The Summit expressed optimism that the new military leadership in Nigeria
would usher in a new era of hope through timely handover of power to a
popularly elected government. The Summit called on the OAU and the Commonwealth
in particular to decisively assist the process of political change in Nigeria.
The Summit expressed satisfaction that member states have continued to implement
sound economic policies that augur well for long-term sustainable development.
The Summit was encouraged by the continuing positive annual growth rates since
the post 1995 period. The Summit observed that the 1997 average GDP growth rate
stood at 2.2% while budget deficits and inflation rates had decreased
dramatically to 6% and 10% respectively during the same period. The Summit
appealed to both local and foreign investors to fully take advantage of the
changing economic situation to further increase intra-regional trade beyond the
current 20% of total SADC trade. The Summit undertook to further enhance efforts
to coordinate and rationalise their programmes of economic reconstruction, to
give more impetus to the region’s emerging market of over 190 million people
with a combined GDP of more than US$ 160 billion.
The Summit expressed concern over the unfavorable weather conditions which
prevailed during the 1997/98 cropping season characterised by erratic and below
normal rainfall in some countries and excessive rains leading to disruptive
floods in others, resulting in a projected overall cereal deficit of 510 000
tones.
The Summit undertook to ensure, through the relevant institutions, the monitoring
of strategic food reserves, and the determination and implementation of
appropriate contingency plans to address the projected cereal deficits
particularly in wheat, sorghum and millet, to avoid suffering by vulnerable
groups.
The Summit commended Council for finalising the major task of establishing
policy guidelines that will facilitate the speedy completion of the
transformation of SADC into a dynamic development community, through the Review
and Rationalisation of the SADC Programme of Action exercise. The Summit
endorsed the decision to reorient the role of SADC to include a focus upon
policy formulation, coordination and harmonisation, the involvement of the
private sector and other stakeholders in community building. The Summit further
welcomed the rationalisation of the existing SADC project portfolio, using
agreed project identification and appraisal criteria.
The Summit welcomed the creation of a new Sector of Legal Affairs, which
would deal, among other things, with cooperation in the administration of justice,
harmonisation of Member States legal and judicial systems, the provision of
critical legal support services to other SADC sectors, as well as the SADC
Tribunal.
The Summit expressed satisfaction that protocols on Transport, Communication
and Meteorology, and Energy had recently acquired the required two-thirds
majority ratification by Member States to come into force.
The Summit expressed disappointment that so far only four countries (Botswana,
Mauritius, Tanzania and Zimbabwe) have ratified the Trade Protocol, which is
the key to successful regional integration and economic development in Southern
Africa. The Summit cautioned that the Organisation could lose its credibility
unless Member States moved with speed to decisively address problems impeding
ratification of the Trade Protocol. The Summit welcomed the decision to convene
a SADC Trade Negotiating Forum in October, and an extra-ordinary meeting of
Ministers of Trade and Industry before the end of 1998, to finilise outstanding
matters on the Trade Protocol.
The Summit signed a new protocol on Tourism which among other things, aims
to ensure balanced and complementary development of the tourism industry in the
SADC region through collective efforts.
The Summit signed an Addendum to the 1997 SADC Declaration on Gender and
Development: Prevention and Eradication of Violence Against Women and Children.
The Summit expressed concern over the increasing levels of various forms
of violence against women and children in SADC, and strongly condemned this as
serious violation of fundamental human rights. In the addendum, the Summit
resolved to ensure the adoption of specific measures by SADC governments, which
include the enactment of legislation, public education, training and awareness
raising, as well as the provision of services.
The Summit noted with appreciation measures that member States were taking
to combat corruption in the region. The Summit agreed that corruption was an
insidious evil practice that would sabotage the region’s socio-economic
development if it was not uprooted and eradicated completely. The Summit,
therefore, commended Member States for establishing autonomous and accountable
anti-corruption agencies.
The Summit expressed concern at the speed at which HIV/AIDS was spreading
to all sectors of the population, particularly the youth and the most
economically active groups. The Summit expressed an urgent need for SADC and
Member States to review and revamp their strategies and programmes for fighting
HIV-AIDS to ensure that socio-economic gains made over the years are not
drastically reversed especially in areas like lower infant mortality, increased
literacy, life expectancy and skills acquisition. The Summit further called for
closer cooperation between Governments, NGOs, the private sector and other
stakeholders in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
The Summit noted with satisfaction preparations for the next SADC Consultative
Conference to be held mid-February, 1999, in Lusaka, Zambia. The Summit agreed
that the proposed Theme for the Conference, “SADC in the next Millennium: The
Challenges and Opportunities of Information Technology”, was most appropriate
as the mastery of information technology (IT) and the capacity to fully utilise
IT was a prerequisite for the SADC region to be an active participant in the
global economy whereby strategic advantages are derived from timely access to information
or its speedy dissemination to the market place.
The Summit reflected on possible “worst-case” scenario problems likely
to result from the Year 2000 Computer Problem (Y2K) such as disruption or collapse
of utilities, transport and communication networks including financial, social
services, food supply and defense systems. The Summit urged Member States to
treat the Y2K problem as an emergency and to allocate resources to initiatives
seeking solutions on a top priority basis.
The Summit expressed satisfaction at the progress being made in the implementation
of the African Economic Community, following the signing of the Protocol on the
Relations between the African Economic Community and Regional Economic
Communities on 25th February 1998, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Summit reaffirmed its decision of 1995 that all the activities and policies
of SADC should be carried out in the context of achieving the objectives of the
African Economic Community. The Summit committed SADC, as a building bloc, to
play a catalytic and strategic role in the process o establishing the African
Economic Community.
The Summit decided to reduce the tenure of office of the Chairperson of SADC
from three years to one year with effect from 1999, in order to facilitate
greater participation by all Member States in the leadership of the organisation
at the highest level.
The Summit appointed Dr Pakereesamy Ramsamy, a national of Mauritius, to
the position of Deputy Executive Secretary. He takes over from Mr. Lengolo
Monyake, a national of Lesotho, who left the Secretariat in April 1998,
following the end of his contract with SADC. The Summit expressed appreciation
for Mr Moyake’s dedicated service to the Organisation, and also thanked the
Government of Lesotho for having made it possible for Mr Monyake to serve the
region. The Summit welcomed Dr Ramsamy to his new and challenging position, and
wished him success.
The Summit noted that His Excellency President Mandela would retire from
office early next year before its next meeting. The Summit expressed sincere
gratitude and appreciation for the selfless and wise leadership President
Mandela has provided to the Organisation as well as the Republic of South
Africa. The Summit wished President Mandela a happy retirement and continued
good health.
His Excellency President Chissano of Mozambique, and Vice Chairman of SADC,
passed a Vote of Thanks and invited the 1999 Summit to Maputo, Mozambique. In
his Vote of Thanks President Chissano described the Indian Ocean that separates
Mauritius from the continent as only as a geographical reference, surpassed by
the strong ideals shared by SADC Member States, and the historical and cultural
bonds forged over the years. He paid tribute to President Mandela for giving
his best to SADC since he assumed the Chairmanship in 1996.
The Summit welcomed the invitation by President Chissano to host its next
Summit in Maputo, Mozambique next year.
In his closing remarks, His Excellency President Mandela expressed sincere
gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of Mauritius on behalf
of Summit delegates, for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements made
for the 1998 Summit. President Mandela expressed sincere appreciation for the
support and valuable counsel their Excellencies had given him during his term
of office; and assured their Excellencies of his unwavering loyalty and
deep-rooted commitment to the ideals of SADC.
SADC SUMMIT ON THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
COMMUNIQUE
SOUTH AFRICA – PRETORIA: 23 August, 1998
1. A Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government together with those
of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda took place in Pretoria, South Africa on the 23rd of August 1998.
2. The Summit was convened by the Chairperson of the SADC, HE President
N. R Mandela and attended by the following Presidents: HE Mogae of Botswana, HE
Nujoma of Namibia, HE Chissano of Mozambique, HE Chiluba of Zambia, HE
Bizimungu of Rwanda, His Majesty King Mswati III of Swaziland; Prime Minister
HE Ramgoolam of Mauritius; Foreign Ministers Honourable Tabane of Lesotho and Honourable
Kikwete of Tanzania; Minister of Justice of the DRC – Honourable Kongole;
Executive Secretary of SADC Mbuende and High Commissioner Moyo of Zimbabwe.
3. The Summit deliberated on the current situation in the Democratic Republic
of Congo and noted:
3.1 That the Democratic Republic of Congo is afflicted with military
conflict, which the Summit considers to be an unacceptable way of addressing
any problems, which occasioned the conflict.
3.2 The Summit committed itself to seek an end to the military conflict immediately.
4. The Summit resolved that the following are the basic principles and objectives,
which should inform this solution:
4.1 The DRC has a Government in place which the Summit recognises and which
is headed by President Kabila.
4.2 The Summit accepted that, regardless of the contribution that
African Governments might make towards the accomplishment of this aim, the principal
responsibility to realise this end rests with the people of the DRC themselves.
4.3 The Summit called for an immediate cease-fire, a troop standstill
and the initiation of a peaceful process of political dialogue aimed at find a
solution to all the relevant problems and undertook to do everything possible,
both as a Summit and as individual components which constitute it, to ensure that
a cease-fire is enforced and maintained. Furthermore, the countries directly
affected by the situation in the Congo undertook to desist from any hostile
propaganda against one another and any other activities which might result in
increasing tensions among themselves and elsewhere.
4.4 The Summit mandated the Chairperson of SADC to create, in
consultation with the Secretary General of the organisation of African Unity,
the mechanisms for the implementation of this decision, as well as instituting measures
to regularly consult the countries represented at this meeting and harmonising
this initiative with the Victoria Falls initiative.
4.5 The Summit agreed that the reconstruction of the DRC as an
independent, sovereign, united, democratic, peaceful, stable and prosperous
country is critical to the achievement of the same objectives in our own
countries and in the rest of this goal.
4.6 The Summit recognised that the independence and security of all the countries
in the respective regions is an important objective which all agreed to pursue.
To this end the Summit committed itself to do everything in its power to ensure
the achievement of this goal.
4.7 The Summit noted with appreciation the commitment of the Government of
the DRC to the holding of democratic elections to enable the people of that
country to elect a Government of their choice.
4.8 The Summit urged that such elections should take place within a reasonable
period of time, taking into account the realities of the DRC.
4.9 The Summit committed itself to assisting in ensuring that this aim
is achieved, including the contribution of material resources and the mobilisation
of the rest of the international community to support this effort.
4.10 The Summit expressed its support for the approach of the Government
of the DRC which seeks to ensure that all the Congolese people are represented
in the mechanisms for the preparation of the elections in a manner which will
result in an acceptance of the outcome of elections which must be truly
democratic, free and fair.
4.11 The Summit reaffirmed that, consistent with the Charter of the OAU,
all ethnic groups and nationalities whose people and territory constituted what
became Congo (now DRC) at independence, should enjoy equal rights and
protection under the law, as citizens.
COMMUNIQUE
MOZAMBIQUE – MAPUTO: 17 – 18 AUGUST 1999
1. The Summit of Heads of State or Government of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC), met at Maputo, Mozambique on 17th and 18th August
1999, and was chaired by His Excellency, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, President of the
Republic of South Africa.
2. The Heads of State or Government of SADC present at the Summit were:
Angola : H.E. Mr Jose Eduardo dos Santos, President
Botswana : H.E. Mr. Festus Mogae, President
Democratic Republic Of Congo: H.E. Mr. Laurent Kabila, President
Malawi : H.E. Dr. Bakili Muluzi President
Mauritius : H.E. Dr the Hon Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister
Mozambique : H.E. Joaquim Chissano President
Namibia : H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma President
South Africa : H.E Mr. Thabo Mbeki President
Tanzania : H.E. Mr. Benjamin W. Mkapa President
Zambia : H.E. Mr. Frederick J.T. Chiluba, President
Zimbabwe : H.E. Mr. Robert G. Mugabe President
Lesotho : Rt. Hon. Prof. Pakalitha Mosisili Prime Minister
Swaziland : H..E. Rt Hon Bamabas Sibusiso Diamini, Prime Minister
Seychelles was represented by Hon. Mr. Jeremie Bonnelame, Minister of Foreign
Affairs.
3. The President of the Republic of Nigeria, H.E. General Olusegun Obasanjo,
attended the Summit as the Guest of Honour. Three former SADC Heads of State or
Government also attended the Summit, namely, HE Ali Hassan Mwinyi of Tanzania,
HE Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, and HE Sir Ketumile Masire of Botswana.
4. Also in attendance were the Secretary General of the Organisation of African
Unity, HE Salim Ahmed Salim; Representatives of the African Development Bank;
the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, HE K Y
Amoako; the Secretary General of The Common Market of Eastern and Southern
Africa, HE Erastus 0 Mwencha; the Executive Secretary of East African
Cooperation, HE F Muthaura; the Secretary-General of the African Caribbean and
Pacific Group of countries (ACP), HE Ng'andu P. Magande; the Chairperson of the
SADC Parliamentary Forum, Honourable M P Tjitendero and its Secretary General,
Dr Mutukwa; and the Chairperson of the SADC Electoral Commissions Forum,
Justice L M Makame.
5. The official opening of the Summit coincided with the commemoration
of SADC day 17 August. Activities at the celebrations included a parade by school
children, business enterprises and labour unions through the city to the
stadium; a Run for Peace, Progress and Prosperity in SADC; cultural music and
dances by school children and Mozambicans; choreographic displays; music by Our
Story - The SADC Cultural Ensemble; women's football; fireworks display; and
other cultural activities. The festivities culminated with a soccer match
between Mozambique and Nigeria.
6. The Summit also witnessed the awarding of prizes to the winners of
the regional secondary school essay competition and the reading of excerpts from
the winning essays. Awards were also given to winners of the Run for SADC race.
7. In his statement, the Guest of Honour, the President of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria, His Excellency, General Olusegun Obasanjo, applauded SADC for
successfully championing the cause of integrating the various economies in the
sub region using a model that allowed the allocation of functions based on
comparative advantage and ownership.
He expressed his conviction that SADC and ECOWAS are two dynamic organisations
with enormous potential to be the cornerstones of the African integration
process.
8. Statements were also made by His Worship, the Mayor of Maputo, Mr Artur
Canana, the Host President, His Excellency, Mr Joaquim Chissano, President Jose
Eduardo Dos Santos of the Republic of Angola; the SADC Executive Secretary; and
the SADC Chairman, President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency,
Mr Thabo Mbeki.
9. In his speech, President Chissano underscored the very special partnership
and contribution by His Excellency, President General Olusegun Obasanjo, to the
cause of countries of the former Front Line and to the cause of SADC. He
intimated that the regional integration effort should not be seen as an end in
itself, but as a way of promoting and securing the well being of the people of
the region. In this way, SADC would be able to fulfil its common agenda that
will lead the region to the achievement of its objectives.
10. In his statement, President Dos Santos referred to the importance of
defining a consensual strategy that will allow for the futfilment of SADC objectives,
which include the promotion of peace and security in the region. He highlighted
the grave situation in Angola, and pointed out that his government does not
accept to enter into any new negotiations with Dr Jonas Savimbi. He stressed
that Dr Jonas Savimbi should comply with the Lusaka Protocol.
11. With regard to the SADC development strategy, HE President Dos
Santos suggested a number of areas of attention. These include improving transport
and communication amongst Member States; integration of systems of production
and energy; establishment of a conducive macroeconomic environment at national
level for inter-regional investment and trade; promotion of international
investment, national and regional entrepreneurship, as well as the development
of human resources, science and technology.
12. The SADC Chairperson, HE Thabo Mbeki emphasised the importance of working
together at both regional and continental levels, given the interdependencies
between SADC Member States and the African continent as a whole. He further
emphasised the need for SADC to create the necessary economic and political
environment for peace, prosperity and progress in the region. He also stressed
the importance of involving the youth in SADC activities.
13. In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of SADC observed that the regional
integration process was progressing smoothly, with great strides having been
made in the energy, mining, water, transport and communications, finance and
investment, and tourism sectors. He challenged the private sector to take
advantage of the much improved investment climate to effectively contribute to
the economic development of the SADC region.
14. On the political situation, the Summit expressed satisfaction that
the SADC region continues to consolidate a culture of democracy, peace, respect
for human rights and the rule of law. This is demonstrated, among others, by increased
popular participation in governance, and dialogue between governments and
stakeholders in the development of policies and strategies of SADC Member
States. The Summit welcomed the creation of institutions to further the
integration process such as the SADC Parliamentary Forum, SADC Electoral Forum,
SADC Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the recently launched SADC Lawyers Association.
15. The Summit noted that the Republic of Malawi and the Republic of
South Africa successfully held general elections. The Summit congratulated Presidents
Bakili Muluzi and Thabo Mbeki for their victory at the polls. The Summit looked
forward to the successful holding of general elections in Botswana, Mozambique
and Namibia later this year.
16. The Summit, however, expressed concern at the setbacks, which are reflected
in the emergence of unrest and conflict in Angola and D.R.C. The situation in
Lesotho and recent armed confrontation in the Caprivi region of Namibia, are
equally sources of serious concern.
The Summit expressed satisfaction that there is strong determination
from the leadership of SADC to bring peace and harmony to the region, and that
SADC is taking responsibility for resolving its own problems.
17. The Summit expressed concern that the political situation in Angola continues
to worsen in spite of the various SADC, OAU and UN Resolutions imposing
sanctions on UNITA. The sanctions agreed upon have not been strictly observed.
Of particular concern is the illegal mining and sale of diamonds by UNITA, the
proceeds of which are used to procure arms in furtherance of activities related
to war. The Summit noted that Jonas Savimbi, due to his behaviour, has ceased
to be a viable interlocutor to the solution of the Angolan conflict.
18. The Summit expressed solidarity with the Angolan people in their
efforts strengthen the democratic authority of the State, through the establishment
of peace through political and diplomatic means.
19. The Summit pledged its support and solidarity to the Government of Angola
to enable it to affirm its authority throughout the territory. The Summit also
mandated the Chairperson of SADC and the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics,
Defence and Security to closely monitor the situation on the ground in Angola.
The Summit further committed itself to
providing whatever humanitarian assistance may be required by the Government
of Angola, as well as uniforms and non-combat support.
20. Concerning the DRC, the Summit expressed satisfaction over the initiatives
launched to bring peace to the DRC, particularly the one under the leadership
of HE President Chiluba, in collaboration with the OAU, UN and others, which
have taken that country closer to peace, with the signing of the cease-fire
agreement on 10 July 1999 in Lusaka. The cease-fire agreement was signed by the
Heads of State of the Democratic
Republic of Congo, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Angola.
The Movement for the Liberation of the Congo (MLC) subsequently signed the
agreement on lst August 1999.
21. The Summit expressed concern that the cease-fire agreement has not been
signed by the representatives of the Rally for a Democratic Congo (RDC). SADC
has undertaken measures to ensure that the RDC sign the cease-fire agreement,
which would pave the way for the withdrawal of foreign forces from the DRC. It
is expected that the agreement will facilitate inter-Congolese political
dialogue, which would lead to a new political dispensation in the D.R.C. 22.
Accordingly, the Summit reiterated its firm commitment to persist in its efforts
to assist the people of Congo bring an end to all hostilities, and called upon
the international community to increase support to these efforts.
23. The Summit paid a glowing tribute to President Chiluba of Zambia for
his unrelenting commitment and negotiating skills in the DRC peace
process.
The Summit expressed satisfaction with the role played by the OAU and the
UN in the meditation process. The Summit also expressed its appreciation to the
European Union for the financial support provided to the SADC negotiation process
on the conflict in the DRC.
24. The Summit at its meeting in Maputo received assurance by both the UPDF
and RPA that they shall with immediate effect, implement the Lusaka cease-fire
agreement. The message of assurance was delivered by the President of Uganda,
HE Yoweri Museveni, and the President HE Pascal Bizimungu of Rwanda.
Implementation of the cease-fire modalities and that officials from the
belligerents shall refrain from using the media as a platform for attacking
either party.
25. The Governments of Uganda and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to the
peaceful resolution of the conflict in the DRC and to the swift implementation
of the Lusaka Agreement. The Summit was also informed that the commanders of
UPDF and RPA forces were sent to Kisangani to establish the cause of the
outbreak of hostilities and to effect immediate disengagement of the forces and
make recommendations for corrective measures to avoid a recurrence.
26. On Lesotho, the Summit recalled that three months after the May 1998
general election, three political parties disputed the election results, and attempted
a coup d"etat in September. This attempt failed as a result of SADC
military intervention in the form of Botswana and South African forces, in
response to a request from the Lesotho government. The intervention was
followed by political negotiations, which led to agreement that fresh elections
be held. An Interim Political Authority consisting of representatives of
political parties was established to oversee the elections, to be held during
the year 2000.
27. The Summit called upon the Government and the people of Lesotho to continue
open dialogue and consultations in order to deepen the democratic process that
would facilitate the holding of fresh elections in Lesotho.
28. On the recent developments in Namibia, the Summit strongly and unreservedly
condemned the secessionist attack on Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi region, and
reaffirmed the inviolability of the territorial integrity of Namibia. The
Summit indicated its full support of the actions taken by the Government of
Namibia to return the situation to normality. President Nujoma expressed his
gratitude to the governments of Angola, Botswana, Zambia and other SADC
countries for their solidarity and support.
29. With regard to the economic situation, the Summit expressed
satisfaction that sound macro-economic policies implemented by Member States
and the integration of economic activities in the various sectors brought about
positive developments. SADC has, for the past four years, achieved positive
economic growth rates averaging 4.1 percent in 1996, 2.2 percent in 1997 and
1.7 percent in 1998. In 1999 a growth rate of 3-3.5 percent is expected.
30. Summit however expressed concern that this level of growth is
insufficient for reducing poverty in the region, as SADC requires a growth rate
of at least 6 percent. Despite the far-reaching reforms the economies of the region
have undertaken to achieve macroeconomic stability, the region continues to
receive low levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) compared to other regions
of the world. Summit noted that SADC cannot only rely on external sources of
capital, thus it needs to mobilise regional resources for cross-border
investments through joint venture initiatives.
31. The Summit expressed serious concern that external debt burden
remains one of the major impediments to the economic transformation of the SADC
region. Resources disbursed to pay external debt obligations undermine the
efforts to provide basic services to the general population.
The Summit welcomed the ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing the debt
issue, such as the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC).
32. However, Summit expressed serious concern that the country
eligibility criteria are very restrictive. In this regard, Summit called for a
revised HIPC framework, which should aim at:
- Having periodic reviews of the eligibility criteria and a consistent interpretation
of track records;
- Shortening the interim period for debt relief from six to three years for
countries that implement IMF/Word Bank reform programmes.
- Reviewing debt sustainability ratios in order to provide deeper and wider
debt relief.
- Encouraging additional contributions to the HIPC Trust Fund since the
lack of financing is the major obstacle to implementing the Initiative.
33. The Summit mandated the Chairperson of SADC to present a SADC position
on the reform of the HIPC initiative to make it more accessible to the debt-
stressed SADC countries, as well as lower middle income small countries. These
countries are experiencing increasing pockets of poverty exacerbated by
HIV/AIDS and economic instability.
34. The Summit expressed concern on the decision made by the Group of Seven
and the IMF to sell gold -in large quantities. Such a move will inevitably
further depress the bullion price, which will have negative effects on gold
producing countries, as well as those, which supply labour to the gold mines.
35. The Summit called upon the Group of Seven to write off the debts of
poor countries as they have the capacity to do so. It urged the IMF to explore other
possibilities of dealing with the debt issue other than only through gold
sales.
36. Summit noted that the Lom6 Convention, which has formed the basis
for co-operation between the ACP and EU countries since 1975 comes to an end in
February 2000, and that negotiations are in progress. The Summit called for the
adoption of a holistic approach to future co-operation arrangements with the EU
that would cover trade, finance, investment and development issues.
37. In the area of food security, the Summit noted that the 1998/99
cropping season was characterised by incessant rains, which were followed by
dry spells in the latter part of the season, in some of the southern countries
of the region. This has, to a large extent, dampened production in most of the
countries. Thus, the region is projecting a cereal deficit in the 1999/2000
marketing year. Summit therefore urged Member States to take contingent
measures to ensure food security.
38. The Summit expressed concern at the region's high HIV/AIDS
prevalence rates, which has far reaching social and economic consequences as
the most affected population is the young working age group. Summit noted that
multi-sectoral approaches in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic continue to be
undertaken at national and regional level. Summit urged Member States to put
more resources in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
President Chiluba extended an invitation to SADC Heads of State and Government
to a conference on HIV/AIDS, to be held in Zambia on 12- 16th September 1999.
39. In the area of gender equality, Summit recalled that the Declaration
on Gender and Development of 1997 commits SADC Member States to, among others,
the achievement of at least a thirty percent target of women in political and
decision making structures by year 2005. Summit however noted with concern that
the SADC average for women in parliament is 15%, while that in cabinet is 12%.
40. SADC Member States were therefore urged to adopt specific measures, including
constitutional or legislated quotas, for ensuring that the minimum target of 30
percent of women in decision making is achieved by 2005.
41. With regard to the Y2K problem, the Summit noted that substantial progress
had been made with regard to the critical sectors of Transport and
Communications, Finance and Investment, Energy and Water. The Summit urged
Member States to intensify their efforts in ensuring that the region is Y2K
ready before the year 2000. The Summit called upon the international community
to continue to assist the region in speeding up the process of making the
region Y2K ready.
42. On regional integration, the Summit noted that SADC has made commendable
progress in spearheading the integration agenda since 1993 when the Treaty came
into force. The most important asset of SADC for eventually bringing about
effective integration is the unquestionable commitment of member States to
create a large, economically viable and unified Southern African Region. This
has brought about an important supportive environment for the integration process
to be deepened.
43. The Summit committed itself to the implementation of the Trade
Protocol and to ensure that it enters into force as expected in January 2000.
The Summit noted that Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Tanzania
and Zimbabwe, have ratified the Trade Protocol, and that South Africa,
Swaziland and Zambia will do so before the end of 1999.
44. The Summit welcomed the recent entry into force of the Protocols on Shared
Watercourse Systems; Energy; Transport, Communications and Meteorology; and
Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking, as well as the Charter of the Regional
Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA). The Summit urged Member
States to expedite the ratification of the Protocols that have not yet entered
into force.
45. The Summit signed two Protocols; on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement;
and on Health, as well as a Declaration on Productivity.
46. The Summit decided that the Council of Ministers should review the operations
of all SADC institutions, including the Organ on Defence, Politics and
Security, and report to the Summit within six months. The Summit further agreed
that the Organ on Defence, Politics and Security should continue to operate and
be chaired by President Mugabe of
Zimbabwe.
47. With regard to continental integration the Summit noted that the
first phase of the establishment of the African Economic Community (AEC) came
to an end in May 1999. The Summit rededicated itself to the timely establishment
of the African Economic Community and called for the further strengthening of
Regional Economic Communities, which are the building blocs of the AEC. The
Summit called upon the Secretariat of the
OAU/AEC to play its role in this regard.
48. The Summit re-affirmed its commitment to South-South cooperation and
hailed the ongoing warm relations with other developing integration groupings
such as ASEAN, CARICOM, and MERCOSUR and called for their strengthening in the
context of South-South Co-operation.
49. The Summit acknowledged the critical role played by the private
sector and other stakeholders in the in the economic development of region. In this
regard, the Summit welcomed the establishment of both the Southern African
Enterprise Network (SAEN) and the Association of SADC National Chambers of
Commerce and industry (ASNCCI), whose main objective is the improvement of the
business climate in Member States and foster regional trade and investment.
50. The Summit unanimously nominated His Excellency, Mr Joachim Chissano
President of the Republic of Mozambique, as the next SADC Chairperson for a
term of one year. He delivered a statement of acceptance outlining his vision
for the SADC region.
51. His Excellency, Mr Sam Nujoma, President of the Republic of Namibia,
was elected as the Vice-Chairperson for the same duration.
52. The Summit accepted the offer of the Government of the Republic of Namibia
to host the next Summit of SADC Heads of State or Government in August 2000.
53. The Summit thanked representatives of other regional and
international organisations for attending this years Summit. The Summit also
thanked International Co-operating Partners for their continued support of
SADC.
54. The Summit expressed its appreciation to the Government and people
of Mozambique for hosting the Summit and for the warm hospitality extended to
all the distinguished delegates. The Summit also thanked all SADC institutions,
especially the SADC Secretariat, which contributed to the successful
celebration of the SADC day and the Organisation of the Summit.
SADC EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT
COMMUNIQUE
MOZAMBIQUE – MAPUTO: 16 JANUARY, 2000
1. At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Mozambique,
H.E. Joaquim Chissano, in his capacity as Chairman of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC), an Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and
Government was held in Maputo, on 16 January 2000.
2. The objective of the Summit was to evaluate the degree of the implementation
of the Lusaka Agreement of 10 July 1999 on the Cease Fire in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo and review the work of the commissions set up within the
framework of the said Agreement, concerning the modalities and mechanisms of
its implementation, with a view to the adoption of appropriate measures for the
rapid normalisation of the situation in that SADC member country.
3. The Summit was attended by the following Heads of State and Government:
♦ H.E. President Jose Eduardo dos Santos - Angola
♦ H.E. President Festus
Mogae - Botswana
♦ H.E. President Bakili Muluzi - Malawi
♦ H.E. President Joaquim Alberto Chissano - Mozambique
♦ H.E. President Sam Nujoma - Namibia
♦ H.E. President Thabo
Mbeki - South Africa
♦ H.E. President
Benjamin William Mkapa - Tanzania
♦ H.E. President
Frederick J J Chiluba - Zambia
♦ H.E. President Robert
Mugabe - Zimbabwe
♦ Rt. Honourable Prof.
Pakalitha Mosisili - Lesotho
4. The Summit was also attended by Honourable Barnabas S Dlamini the Prime
Minister of Swaziland and Honourable Rajkeswur Purryag Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mauritius.
5. Also in attendance as special guest was H.E. President Yoweri
Museveni of Uganda and H.E. President Pasteur Bizimungu of Rwanda.
6. The Summit was also attended by H.E. the Secretary General of the
OAU, Salim Ahmed Salim, by H.E. the Acting Executive of SADC Dr P Ramsamy and
the Former President of Botswana, H.E Sir Ketumile Masire.
7. The Summit applauded the appointment of the former President of Botswana,
Sir Ketumile Masire, by the Congoleses parties, as the facilitator of the
National Dialogue between the political forces in the Democratic Republic of
Congo and considered that his appointment will contribute to the expeditious
implementation of the Cease Fire Agreement so that global solution to the
conflict be reached.
8. The Summit noted with concern the lack of progress in the
implementation of the Lusaka Cease-Fire Agreement of 10 July 1999.
9. The Summit reiterated the importance and validity of the Lusaka
Cease-Fire Agreement of 10 July as a fundamental instrument for the process of a
peaceful settlement of the conflict in the DRC. In this connection, it urged
the signatories to co-operate in a more active manner towards its full and
successful implementation. For that purpose an urgent meeting of the
belligerents will soon be convened to speed up the implementation of the Lusaka
Cease-fire Agreement of 10 of July 1999.
10. The Summit reaffirmed the importance of the involvement of the
United Nations, the Organisation of the African Unity, the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) and of the whole international community in the search for a
global and lasting solution to the conflict.
The Summit encouraged them to continue with their political and diplomatic
efforts aimed at the achievement of the intended results.
11. The Summit called on the Security Council of the United Nations to
send urgently a full Peacekeeping Force to the DRC as well as to provide the necessary
logistical means for its operation in the context of the implementation of the
Lusaka Agreement.
12. The Summit appealed to the International Community to provide humanitarian
assistance to the refugees and displaced populations, in cooperation with
humanitarian assistance organisations, as well as to provide resources for the
process of the national reconstruction.
13. The Summit expressed its expectation that the session of the United Nations
Security Council to be held on the 24 January will further deliberate towards
this direction.
14. The Summit thanked the Government of the Republic of Mozambique and President
Joaquim Chissano for the hospitality and facilities made available for the
success of the deliberations of the Maputo Extraordinary SADC Summit.
COMMUNIQUÉ
NAMIBIA – WINDHOEK: 6-7 AUGUST, 2000
The Summit of Heads of State or Government of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC), met at Windhoek, Namibia, on 6th
-7th August 2000, and was chaired by His Excellency, Mr.
Joaquim Chissano, President of the Republic of Mozambique.
1. The Heads of State and Government of SADC present at the Summit were:
Angola H.E. President Jose Eduardo dos Santos
Botswana H.E. President Festus Mogae
Malawi H.E. President Bakili Muluzi
Mozambique H.E. President Joaquim Chissano
Namibia H.E. President Sam Nujoma
South Africa H.E President Thabo Mbeki
Swaziland His Majesty King Mswati III
Tanzania H.E. President Benjamin W. Mkapa
Zambia H.E. President Frederick J.T. Chiluba
Zimbabwe H.E. President Robert G. Mugabe
Lesotho Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili
The Heads of State and Government of the following countries were
represented by Ministers:
DemocraticRepublic of Congo: Honourable Abdulai Yerodia, Minister of Foreign
Affairs
Mauritius Honourable Rundheersing Bheenick, Minister of Productivity,
Economic Development and Regional Development
Seychelles Honourable Jeremie Bonnelame, Minister of Foreign Affairs
2. Also in attendance were the Assistant Secretary General of the
Organisation of African Unity, Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu; the Secretary
General of the Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa, Mr Erastus O
Mwencha; Representatives of the African Development Bank and the UN Economic
Commission for Africa.
3. In his address to the opening session of the Summit, the outgoing
SADC Chairperson, HE Joaquim Chissano, President of the Republic of Mozambique,
said that the Summit was aimed at charting the future for SADC, which is now in
its 20th year of existence. He
noted that SADC has made remarkable progress in the areas of infrastructural
development, agriculture and energy, and has maintained positive growth rates
during 1999, albeit at a reduced rate compared to previous years. He observed
that if the SADC region is to make a dent on the widespread poverty and create gainful
employment in Member States, the growth rate for the region has to be more than
6 per cent.
4. President Chissano also acknowledged a number of challenges which confront
the SADC region, such as poverty, the debilitating debt burden, HIV/AIDS and
globalisation. He reiterated his belief that as an economic grouping SADC is
better poised to tackle the negative effects of globalisation, while reaping
the advantages of its positive aspects.
5. The incoming Chairperson of SADC, H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma, President of
the Republic of Namibia, and host of the 2000 Summit, extended a warm welcome
to SADC Heads of State and Government, former Presidents and other delegates to
Namibia. He noted that the eventual aim of SADC is to put into place a strong
regional economic structure that would facilitate the total elimination of
tariff barriers and promote free movement of goods and services within the
region. He expressed his confidence that with increased intra-regional trade,
SADC would achieve rapid economic growth and sustained development.
6. In a speech read on his behalf by Assistant Secretary General
Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu, the Secretary General of the Organisation of
African Unity acknowledged that the record of OAU’s cooperation with SADC has been
exemplary. He observed that the annual Summit provides an invaluable opportunity
for reviewing developments from a regional perspective, in recognition of the
need for accelerating the process of continental integration.
7. In his remarks, the Acting Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr Prega
Ramsamy expressed his conviction that SADC’s vision of creating a single
political economic space, built on democratic principles, equitable and
sustainable development, improved living standards of the SADC citizens, free
movement of factors of production and of goods and services, can be achieved.
He stated that the launching of the SADC Trade Protocol on 1st September, a milestone in the development of SADC,
would increase intra-regional trade through the removal of tariff and
non-tariff barriers and other restrictions that block entry or increase the
cost of doing business in the region. He also stressed the importance of
information technology as an essential tool for economic development.
8. One of the highlights of the official opening session of the Summit
was the presentation of the Sir Seretse Khama SADC Medal to the former
President of South Africa, Mr Nelson Mandela. In his response, Mr Mandela said
he accepted the medal with humility, knowing that this gesture is made on
behalf of the people of the region. He paid tribute to Sir Seretse Khama, who
is renowned for the manner in which he put the dignity and well being of his people
above all considerations. He thanked SADC Heads of State for having afforded
him the rare opportunity to lead the organisation, and expressed his satisfaction
at the progress being made in the further integration of the region.
9. The official opening of the Summit also witnessed the announcement of
the winners of the 2000 Regional Secondary Schools Essay Competition, whose theme
was HIV/AIDS. The first prize was awarded to Sibanesizwe Malunga of Zimbabwe;
the second prize to Yohane Kadalinga of Malawi, and the third to Ashveen
Kutowaroo of Mauritius.
10. On the political situation, the Summit expressed satisfaction that
the SADC region generally continues to enjoy political stability and to deepen
the culture of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights. This is
reflected, among others, in the holding of general elections in Botswana, Mozambique,
Namibia, and Zimbabwe since the 1999 Summit. The Summit congratulated
Presidents Festus Mogae, Joachim Chissano, Sam Nujoma and Robert Mugabe for
their victory at the polls. The Summit looked forward to the successful holding
of general elections in Tanzania later this year, and in Lesotho, Mauritius and
Zambia during 2001.
11. The Summit issued a statement on the Zimbabwe Democracy Act 2000 urging
the United states congress to reconsider its policy towards Zimbabwe, and
withdraw the Act before it passes into law.
12. In spite of these positive developments, the Summit expressed its
concern at the armed conflicts, which continue to be experienced in some SADC member
states, notably Angola and the DRC. In these countries, many people have been
displaced as a result of war, and have become refugees both in their own
countries and in neighbouring states.
13. On Angola, the Summit noted the
positive steps being taken by the government to stabilise the situation in the
country, and that the absence of peace in Angola is a result of the non fulfilment
of the Lusaka Protocol by Jonas Savimbi and UNITA. The Summit expressed concern
at Savimbi’s armed and criminal actions against the civilian population and the
destruction of social and economic infrastructure.
14. The Summit expressed its support and solidarity with the government
of Angola in its efforts to establish lasting peace in the light of the Lusaka Protocol.
It emphasised the need for the strict observance of the sanctions imposed on
UNITA by various UN Security Council Resolutions 864/93; 1127/97; 1173/98 and
1295/2000, as well as the OAU and SADC resolutions on Angola. The Summit
appealed to the international community to continue providing humanitarian
assistance to the displaced people of Angola.
15. The Summit observed that the DRC peace process is still on track
despite a number of setbacks. The Political Committee for the Implementation of
the Cease-fire in the DRC, which was set up as part of the Lusaka Agreement, has
been meeting regularly to evaluate progress. The Summit expressed concern that
resource constraints continue to pose a serious impediment to the speedy
discharge of the responsibilities of the Joint Military Commission.
16. The Summit appealed to the international community to step up its
support to the Joint Military Commission in order for the latter to undertake
its work effectively. The Summit further called on all the Congolese to honour
their obligations under the Lusaka Agreement, by giving full support to the
process of internal dialogue under the facilitation of Sir Ketumile Masire. The
need for the speedy deployment of UN Peace Keepers was emphasised.
17. The Summit also suggested that President Chiluba should convene a
meeting of all the signatories to the Lusaka Agreement on 14 August 2000 in
Lusaka, Zambia.
18. With regard to the economic situation, the Summit expressed
satisfaction at the far reaching economic reforms being implemented by SADC
Member States, in pursuance of their shared vision of creating a single
economic space through deeper economic integration. Through the implementation
of appropriate macro-economic policies, a number of SADC countries have managed
to put themselves on a sustainable economic growth path.
19. Summit noted that on average, the region achieved positive GDP
growth rates since 1995. A growth rate of 3.5% is projected in year 2000, which
is still not adequate to tackle poverty reduction. The Summit observed the remarkable
liberalization of exchange controls in the region, as the economies adopted
market oriented exchange rate regimes. The Summit expressed satisfaction that
the investment climate in much of SADC has improved in the 1990’s, as
governments were active in trying to create a more attractive policy
environment. However, Summit noted with concern that the flow of investment
into the region has not matched expectations.
20. The Summit expressed its concern that external debt remains a major problem
for SADC countries. While the Summit appreciated the cancellation of the
bilateral debt by some developed economies, it noted that an examination of the
debt profile of the countries shows that much of their debt is due to
multi-lateral institutions, and accordingly the cancellation of bilateral debt
has not been very effective in reducing the burden.
21. The Summit recalled that the region experienced heavy rains in January/February
2000 causing severe flooding in Southern Mozambique, Swaziland, northern and
eastern South Africa as well as eastern and southern Botswana and Zimbabwe. In
these countries, infrastructure was destroyed, and scores of people lost their
lives, homes, crops as well as livestock. The Summit expressed its appreciation
to SADC Member States and the international community for their assistance to
the affected countries.
22. On food security, the Summit noted that while the overall situation
is satisfactory, the latest assessment suggests that regional cereal
availability for 2000/2001 marketing year, is insufficient to cover consumption
and strategic grain reserve requirements. The overall cereal deficit is
estimated at 679,000 tonnes.
23. With respect to HIV/AIDS, the Summit expressed its concern that the HIV/AIDS
epidemic in the Southern African region continues to be a major developmental
and security issue, with more than 10 percent of the adult population infected
in some countries. The Summit noted the establishment of a Multi-Sectoral SADC
HIV/AIDS Technical Subcommittee, and the development of a SADC HIV/AIDS
Strategic Framework and Programme of Action: 2000 –2004.
24. The Summit noted that at its meeting held in Windhoek, Namibia, on
4-5 August 2000, Council approved Principles to Guide Negotiations with the Pharmaceutical
companies on Provision of Drugs for the Treatment of HIV/AIDS related
conditions. The principles include, inter alia, recognition of the critical
role that poverty and malnutrition play in the epidemic provision of equipment,
maintaining the continuum of care, and supplies of appropriate drugs to ensure
sustainability, equitability, affordability and accessibility.
25. The Summit also received a report from Dr Kenneth Kaunda, former President
of Zambia, on the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS, particularly on young
families, who leave orphans to be cared for by relatives. He informed the
Summit of the establishment of the Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation
for HIV/AIDS. The Summit lauded Dr Kaunda for his efforts.
26. On the issue of gender equality, the Summit received a report on the
progress made by SADC Member States towards reaching the target of 30% of women
in politics and decision-making structures by the year 2005, which was set in the
1997 SADC Declaration on Gender and Development. It noted that following the
elections that were held in Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and South
Africa during 1999, the average percentage of women in SADC parliaments went up
from 15% to 17.9%. Only one Member State maintained the proportion of women
parliamentarians while four witnessed an increase in the level of participation
by women.
27. However, the Summit expressed its concern that the relatively
impressive 1999 SADC average of 17.9% is largely accounted for by three
countries, and that half of SADC Member States are still below 15%, which is
far from the 30% target to be reached in less than five years. The Summit, therefore
urged SADC Member States to consider enacting legislative provisions for mandatory
quotas in order to ensure that the targets set in the SADC Declaration on
Gender and Development are met.
28. The Summit noted that eight out of eleven SADC Protocols had entered
into force, and urged Member States to ratify or accede to all Protocols as speedily
as possible. The Summit signed the following four Protocols: SADC Tribunal and
the Rules of Procedure thereof; Shared Watercourses (revised version); and Legal
Affairs.
29. The Summit received a report on preparations for the implementation
of the SADC Trade Protocol, which comes into effect on September 1 2000. It
noted the status of negotiations among Member States, which focussed on tariff reduction
schedules, rules of origin, harmonisation of customs and trade documentation
and dispute settlement mechanisms. The Summit adopted an Amendment Protocol on
Trade which takes into account new annexes, amendments to Annex I of the
Protocol on Trade, on rules of origin and a provision giving Ministers of Trade
authority to amend Annexes as necessary.
30. An interactive session between Heads of State and SADC Business
leaders also took place during the Summit, reflecting the important role played
by the private sector in regional integration. A Memorandum of Understanding
was signed between SADC and the Association of SADC Chambers of Commerce and
Industry.
31. The Summit received a report from the Council of Ministers on the
Review of the Operations of SADC institutions, which it had commissioned at its
1999 meeting. In view of the need for member States to undertake further consultations,
the Summit gave the Council of Ministers a three month extension to complete
the exercise.
32. The Summit unanimously elected His Excellency, President Sam Nujoma
of the Republic of Namibia, as the next SADC Chairperson for a term of one year.
In his acceptance statement, he outlined his vision for a SADC region in which
development takes the centre stage.
33. His Excellency, President Bakili Muluzi, of the Republic of Malawi,
was elected as the Vice-Chairperson for one year.
34. The Summit accepted the offer of the Government of the Republic of
Malawi to host the next Summit of SADC Heads of State or Government in 2001.
35. The Summit expressed its support for the process of negotiations for
peace in Palestine and the Middle East.
36. The Summit thanked representatives of other regional and
international organisations for attending the 2000 Summit. The Summit also
thanked International Co-operating Partners for their continued support to
SADC.
37. The Summit expressed its appreciation to the Government and people
of Namibia for hosting the Summit and for the warm hospitality extended to all the
distinguished delegates. The Summit also thanked all SADC institutions which
contributed to the successful organisation of the Summit.
SECOND SUMMIT OF SIGNATORIES TO THE AGREEMENT FOR A
CEASEFIRE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
COMMUNIQUE
ZAMBIA – LUSAKA: 14-15 AUGUST, 2000
1. At the invitation of President Frederick J T Chiluba, the signatories
to the Agreement for a Cease-fire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) the
their second Summit in Lusaka, Zambia on 14th
August, 2000 as a follow up to their first Summit
which took place in Lusaka on 23rd February, 2000.
2. The Summit was attended by all signatories to the Agreement, namely:
President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Rwanda.
Uganda and Zimbabwe and the Minister of Defence of Angola, as well as
leaders of the following non-State Parties; The Congolese Rally for Democracy
(RCD), the Congolese Rally for Democratic-Liberation Movement (RDC-ML) and the
Movement for the Liberation of the Congo (MLC). The witnesses to the Cease-fire
Agreement, namely Zambia, the Organization of African Unity, the United Nations
and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat also attended
the Summit.
3. The following Heads of State and Government of the SADC Member States
non-signatories to the Agreement also participated in the Summit. His Majesty
the King of Swaziland, the President of Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and
Tanzania, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Botswana, the Minister of the
Office of the Prime Minister of Lesotho and the High Commissioner of Mauritius
to Zambia.
4. The Summit, among other things, addressed cease-fire violations, deployment
of United Nations military observers, resources of the Joint Military
commission (JMC) and inter-Congolese political negotiations.
5. The Summit, from the outset, reaffirmed its strong support for the Lusaka
cease-fire Agreement as the only accepted and viable basis for resolving the
conflict in the DRC.
6. With regard to cease-fire violations, the Summit regretted the fact
that cease-fire violations persisted. It affirmed the validity of the Kampala plan
for the disengagement and redeployment of forces adopted on 8th April, 2000 as the
appropriate framework for addressing cease-fire violations. The Summit welcomed
the initiative of Wanda to withdraw 200km from the positions declared in the
disengagement plan and the parties reaffirmed their commitment to begin and/or
proceed with withdrawals of at least 15km from their declared position in
conformity with the plan. The Parties committed themselves not to take advantage
of withdrawals by occupying the vacated areas.
7. On the issue of deployment of United Nations military observers the Summit
welcomed the readiness of the United Nations to commence such deployment. The
Summit acknowledge, however, that existing conditions in the DRC have not made
it possible for the deployment to begin. To this effect, the Summit recalled
the guarantees it had given in February, 2000 to ensure the safety, protection
and freedom of movement of United Nations observers and personnel, which are
also required by Security Council resolutions 1291 and 1304. The Summit, therefore,
appealed to the Government of the DRC to cooperate fully with the United
Nations Organisation Mission in the Congo (MONUC) and to satisfy the conditions
necessary for the speedy deployment of the military observers.
8. The Summit expressed serious concern about the critical shortage of resources
for JMC, in particular funds to meet operational costs, as well as for
essential equipment to enable the JMC carry out its mandate of verifying
cease-fire violations and monitoring the implementation of the Cease-fire
Agreement. To this effect, the Summit made an earnest appeal to the
international community to urgently make available adequate resources to the
JMC.
9. Regarding inter_congolease
political negotiations, the Summit addressed the difficulties that had stalled
the facilitation. In this connection, the Summit with the exception of the DRC
Government, reaffirmed its support for the Facilitator Sir Katumile Masire. In
light of this, an appeal was made to the DRC Government to reconsider its decision
in order to ensure the speedy finalization of arrangements for the convening of
the national dialogue.
10. Gravely concerned at
the immense suffering which the people of the DRC are undergoing as a result of
the war, the Summit stressed the urgent need to alleviate this suffering. To
this end, the Summit urged all the Parties to facilitate the implementation of
humanitarian operations by granting unhindered access of humanitarian and aid agencies
and workers to the vulnerable population and victims of war, and in particular
the refugees and displaced persons who are in desperate need of medical and
food assistance.
11. The Summit expressed
gratitude to President Frederik Chiluba and to the Government and people of
Zambia for the excellent facilities put at its disposal and for their kind
hospitality.
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