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. 

Namibia's political stability continues to hold significance within SADC, particularly as several member states are preparing to conduct general elections in the near future.

President Hage Geingob and the Head of the European Union Delegation to Namibia, Sinikka Antila, discussed security concerns and strides made in some parts of the region.

As the chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, Namibia successfully facilitated peaceful general elections in Angola and Lesotho last year.

Namibia and Serbia are looking at promoting cooperation in defence as well as organising a Joint Defence Committee.

This, according to the Serbian Ambassador to Namibia, Miloš Perišić, will allow Namibia's armed forces to be trained by the Serbian Defence Academy through scholarships.

The Ambassador, who is based in Luanda, paid a courtesy visit to Vice President Nangolo Mbumba.

Serbia is known to be one of the best producers of ammunition and equipment for military maintenance in its region.

The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation has recommended the deployment of regional forces within the framework of the bloc's standby force to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The two-day Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit, plus the SADC Troika and Force Intervention Brigade, and FIB Troop Contributing Countries, ended in Windhoek.

The deployment is a regional response to support the DRC in restoring peace and security in the eastern part of the country.

The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Ministerial Committee plus the SADC Troika and FIB countries met in preparation of the summit to be chaired by President Hage Geingob on Monday.

The Extraordinary Organ Troika summit, plus the SADC Troika and Force Intervention Brigade and FIB troop-contributing countries, is expected to also consider the report of the SADC Field Assessment Mission, which took place this year in the DRC.