The Incoming Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, says the regional bloc will prioritise food security and peace during his tenure
In a recent interview with local media, President Mnangagwa said while the broad SADC agenda did not change wholesale with the entry into office of a new Chair, certain priority areas would get attention.
“When we assume the Chairmanship, I believe that, in my view, the most important item we must deal with is food security. We would want to see the coordination and cooperation that ensures that SADC countries are food-secure,” he said,
SADC countries, he added, must share their experiences, technologies and models of agricultural production to guarantee regional food security.
He went on: “Secondly – the question of security. Some members of SADC are facing insecurity in their respective jurisdictions. So, all SADC members, we have said an attack on one is an attack on all of us.
“During our chairmanship of SADC, we will do our best to support those member states that are facing insecurity and see how we can help.”
Zimbabwe hosts the 44th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in August at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden. At that summit, President Mnangagwa will take over the chairmanship of the bloc for one year.
