Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty the King has signed five SADC protocols that will boost efforts against cross-border crimes, including human trafficking, money laundering and extradition challenges.
The legal instriments signed are; the Anti-Trafficking Protocol; the Agreement Amending the Protocol on Extradition; the Agreement Amending the Protocol on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters; the Agreement Amending the Protocol on Finance and Investment; and the Agreement regarding the Status of SADC Standby Force.
They align with SADC’s broader goals of promoting peace, security and economic integrity across Southern Africa.
“These instruments represent a pivotal step in enhancing collaboration among SADC member states to tackle shared challenges. By signing these documents, Eswatini reaffirms its dedication to regional integration and the well-being of our people,” said Senator Pholile Shakantu, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The signing took place during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government held here on Sunday.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, these protocols promise to strengthen the nation’s defences against transnational threats while fostering closer ties with neighbours.
The Anti-Trafficking Protocol will safeguard vulnerable groups such as migrants and youth by improving victim support and law enforcement, hopefully making it harder for traffickers to exploit porous borders, while reducing exploitation and advancing safer migration.
The ministry explained that the Agreement Amending the Protocol on Extradition streamlines the surrender of fugitives involved in serious crimes, deterring suspects from fleeing to adjacent states and strengthening domestic justice.
Meanwhile, the Agreement Amending the Protocol on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters equips Eswatini with faster access to evidence from other countries, aiding probes into drug trafficking and cybercrime.
On the financial front, the Agreement Amending the Protocol on Finance and Investment enhances anti-money laundering measures, creating a transparent banking environment that attracts ethical investments and supports economic diversification.
The Agreement on the Status of SADC Standby Force is said to further bolster national security, enabling Eswatini to participate in or receive regional aid during conflicts or disasters, while building military capacity and goodwill, according to the ministry.
SADC LEADERS REAFFIRM STANCE ON CONFLICTS IN DRC AND GAZA
ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR –SADC leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the start of talks to achieve a lasting solution in Gaza.
They have expressed deep concern over ongoing attacks on civilians in Palestine which have caused loss of lives, property destruction and worsening humanitarian conditions.
The call was made during the 45th Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit held here on Sunday.
Regarding the DRC conflict, the summit condemned the spread of misinformation about the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), asserting that the deployment complied fully with regional and international principles to counter external aggression. It paid solemn tribute to those who lost their lives in the mission, highlighting their sacrifice as embodying solidarity, unity and peace within SADC.
The leaders acknowledged the need for complementarity and harmonisation between Africa-led initiatives and others such as the Washington Accord 2025 and Doha Declaration of Principles 2025.
In its communique. the Summit welcomed the joint mediation efforts by the African Union Commission, SADC and East African Community, including integration of the Luanda and Nairobi Peace Processes.
MAGOSI RE-APPOINTED AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has re-appointed Elias Mpedi Magosi as its Executive Secretary for a second and final four-year term following the 45th Ordinary Summit.
The decision, made on Sunday, recognises Magosi’s leadership and dedication to advancing SADC’s integration and development goals. Leaders expressed appreciation for his contributions during his first term.
Magosi, who attended the summit alongside ministers from member states, will continue overseeing the Secretariat’s efforts in implementing regional programmes. This re-appointment aligns with SADC’s focus on continuity in pursuing economic resilience, peace and sustainable growth.
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