SADC wants probe into Eswatini killings
Jemima Beukes
WINDHOEK
The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) has condemned the assassination of Swati human rights lawyer and political activist Thulani Maseko, and is calling on the Eswatini government to undertake a swift, transparent and comprehensive investigation into this and other killings.The just-concluded Troika Summit – which took place in Windhoek - expressed grave concern regarding political unrest in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and strongly condemned the upsurge of conflict and activities of armed groups, including M23 rebels.
“The summit resolved to initiate dialogue amongst the member states of different regional economic communities that have deployed forces in the DRC with a view to establish and implement mechanisms for the effective coordination of their interventions.
“The summit adopted the draft African Union Declaration on the United States-proposed ‘Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Act’, urged member states to communicate SADC’s position and reaffirmed the stance of non-alignment on conflicts outside the continent and the region at multilateral fora.” Political turmoil in Mozambique, the DRC and Eswatini were the main agenda points for the summit.
President Hage Geingob, chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, stressed that the regional commitment has always been to address inter- and intra-state conflicts by peaceful means. He added that, regrettably, and while the region is focused on assisting sister countries to find and implement peaceful solutions to these challenges, there have been ongoing and sporadic acts of violence in Eswatini that point to an escalation of tensions.
“I have said that when diplomacy fails and people stop talking to each other, conflict begins. Therefore, dialogue is important as it will give the peace process an opportunity to become successful,” he said. On Monday, Elias Magosi, the SADC executive secretary, said it is imperative for the region to support the mission with additional critical capabilities so that they can completely dislodge and eliminate these security threats.
He also expressed grave concern regarding the situation in the DRC, where he believes urgent attention is required amid increasing instability.
[email protected]
WINDHOEK
The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) has condemned the assassination of Swati human rights lawyer and political activist Thulani Maseko, and is calling on the Eswatini government to undertake a swift, transparent and comprehensive investigation into this and other killings.The just-concluded Troika Summit – which took place in Windhoek - expressed grave concern regarding political unrest in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and strongly condemned the upsurge of conflict and activities of armed groups, including M23 rebels.
“The summit resolved to initiate dialogue amongst the member states of different regional economic communities that have deployed forces in the DRC with a view to establish and implement mechanisms for the effective coordination of their interventions.
“The summit adopted the draft African Union Declaration on the United States-proposed ‘Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Act’, urged member states to communicate SADC’s position and reaffirmed the stance of non-alignment on conflicts outside the continent and the region at multilateral fora.” Political turmoil in Mozambique, the DRC and Eswatini were the main agenda points for the summit.
President Hage Geingob, chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, stressed that the regional commitment has always been to address inter- and intra-state conflicts by peaceful means. He added that, regrettably, and while the region is focused on assisting sister countries to find and implement peaceful solutions to these challenges, there have been ongoing and sporadic acts of violence in Eswatini that point to an escalation of tensions.
“I have said that when diplomacy fails and people stop talking to each other, conflict begins. Therefore, dialogue is important as it will give the peace process an opportunity to become successful,” he said. On Monday, Elias Magosi, the SADC executive secretary, said it is imperative for the region to support the mission with additional critical capabilities so that they can completely dislodge and eliminate these security threats.
He also expressed grave concern regarding the situation in the DRC, where he believes urgent attention is required amid increasing instability.
[email protected]
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