President Hakainde Hichilema Becomes SADC Chair of the Organ.

President Hakainde Hichilema has taken up the role of Chair of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Hichilema has expressed his dedicated commitment to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the SADC to promote development.

Hichilema assumes the position of chair during a time when Africa is particularly troubled by threats to its peace and security.

Hichilema pointed out that the SADC is still facing fragility in the crucial areas of peace, security, and stability. This ongoing fragility is diverting the focus and efforts of governments away from their main responsibility, which is to foster the development and progress of their nations.

The President stated that by accepting a new role, he is committed to responding to the call of safeguarding the people in the region and improving the overall operating conditions.

President Hichilema met with a team from the SADC Secretariat, which was led by Kula Theletsane, the Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Affairs. During the meeting at Statehouse, Hichilema expressed his view that individuals who violate the constitution and fail to grasp its significance in promoting economic activities should not be allowed to hold positions of power and authority.

Hichilema also emphasized the importance of preserving peace, security, and stability in the region. By maintaining a peaceful environment, each country within SADC can focus on its development goals without distractions or disruptions.

He added that resources ought to be directed towards improving the livelihoods of citizens, which every leader in the region owes to the people they serve.

In his statement, Kula Theletsane, Director of Politics, Defence, and Security Affairs at the Organ, expressed his support for President Hichilema. Despite acknowledging the difficulties ahead, the Secretariat is committed to providing President Hichilema with the necessary expertise to enable him to successfully fulfil his role as the Chair of the Organ.

Director Theletsane urged President Hichilema to take a strategic approach in addressing the current challenges related to security and diplomacy within the region. He emphasized that there have been issues with countries avoiding holding each other accountable, but he has hope that under President Hichilema's leadership, this situation will change. The Director believes that President Hichilema's leadership will bring a different and positive approach to dealing with the challenges in the region.