Lesotho Chosen to Lead SADC Security Organ

Overview

• SADC leaders at an Extraordinary Virtual Summit selected Lesotho as the incoming chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
• The summit ordered the SADC Secretariat to draft criteria and guidelines for appointing the Organ chair and to report to the Organ’s Ministerial Committee in July 2027.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the appointment and stressed that the Organ’s work is essential for protecting lives, preventing displacement and sustaining regional stability.
• Delegates also noted the appointment of a Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration and urged the Secretariat to speed up coordination and reporting on integration programmes.
• Leaders highlighted ongoing crises in Eastern DRC and Northern Mozambique and warned that growing climate risks require stronger early warning systems, more disaster preparedness and clearer resource commitments from member states.