Decisions taken at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Double Troika Extraordinary Summit will see the SADC Chair appoint an assistant facilitator in Lesotho and ensure peaceful elections in its member states.
“Regarding the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Extraordinary Summit endorsed the Roadmap for Reforms and National Dialogue and urged the Government of Lesotho to prioritise the Constitutional and Security Sector Reforms, which should be completed by May 2019.
“The Extraordinary Summit agreed that the facilitator, President Cyril Ramaphosa, will appoint a high profile personality to support him in his role as the facilitator,” said the Presidency in a statement.
Furthermore, the Extraordinary Summit approved the extension of the mandate of the SADC Preventative Mission in the Kingdom of Lesotho (SAPMIL) for a further period of six months, from May to November 2018.
President Ramaphosa made his return to the country from Luanda, Angola on Tuesday evening after attending the SADC Double Troika Extraordinary Summit.
The President was accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Police Minister Bheki Cele and State Security Deputy Minister Ellen Molekane.
He expressed confidence that the steps being taken by SADC will result in the consolidation of democracy, peace and stability in the region.
Peaceful elections in the region
In addition, to the decisions taken on Lesotho, the regional body emphasised the need to kick start preparations for elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Madagascar.
“On the DRC, the Extraordinary Summit noted the progress made in the implementation of the December 2016 Political Agreement and in the Electoral Calendar for the elections, which are scheduled to take place on 23 December 2018.
“The Extraordinary Summit called on all stakeholders to remain committed to the implementation of the Electoral Calendar and ensure a conducive environment for the holding of peaceful and credible elections,” said the Presidency.
Another key decision by SADC, is the urgent deployment of the SADC Special Envoy, former President of Mozambique Joaquim Chissano to Madagascar.
The former President will head the team to facilitate a National Dialogue aimed at the de-escalation of the political tensions and reaching consensus on the electoral process in Madagascar.
Former President Chissano will be assisted by the Chair of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ, Angolan External Relations Minister Manuel Domingos Augusto, and the SADC Secretariat. – SAnews.gov.za
