While the southern African region remains peaceful and stable, there are still security challenges in some parts of the SADC that require an effective response.

Promoting peace and security within the SADC region topped the agenda at the Extra Ordinary Troika Summit in Lusaka, Zambia.

Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was among the attendees.

The Troika took stock and tracked progress on the situation in the Cabo Delgado province of northern Mozambique as well as the northern Kivu province in eastern DRC, marred by instability over the years. 

Although progress has been made in combating terrorism in Cabo Delgado Province through the SADC Missions efforts, the security situation in eastern DRC remains a thorn in the flesh.

The resurgence of armed groups such as M23 rebels continues to cause despair among the people of eastern DRC as more than three million people, mostly women and children, are displaced.

The Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to address the humanitarian situation in the two regions and strive towards resource mobilisation. 

SADC missions have also been deployed to both Mozambique and the eastern DRC.

Hichilema committed to uniting efforts towards the preservation of peace and stability, guided by relevant instruments including the SADC mutual defence pact and protocol on politics, defence, and security cooperation. 

SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi equally encouraged collaboration to address common security threats and create a conducive environment for economic development and prosperity in the region.

Namibia's late President, Dr. Hage Geingob, previously chaired the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation with a dedication to promoting peace and security within the region.

A moment of silence was observed in his honour as well as for soldiers who died during their mission in the eastern DRC.