Africa-Press – Mozambique. THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States, have been urged to harness insights from Tanzania and the Republic of Mauritius as the two countries stood out for successfully piloting SADC Anti-Corruption Effort Index in enhancing governance and integrity.
Member States were counselled to borrow a leaf from the two countries to strengthen their national strategies and adopt the Index as a tool to promote transparency, accountability and institutional integrity.
The pilot report highlighted significant progress, notably in legal reforms, stakeholder engagement and political will of which is key to sustainable anti-corruption reform.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said yesterday in Dar Es Salaam that in addressing the corruption vices within the region, there is need to push for the adopting of new approaches like the established Regional Anti-Corruption Effort Index successfully piloted by Tanzania and Mauritius.
Ambassador Kombo was speaking during the officiating of the 27th Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (MCO). The meeting is being held in Dar es Salaam.
“To address the corruption vice, Member States have made steady progress in the implementation of the SADC Anti-Corruption Strategies Action Plan and also continue to place emphasis on adopting new approaches such as development of a Regional Anti-Corruption Effort Index of which two countries namely the Republic of Mauritius and the United Republic of Tanzania have already been piloted,” said Ambassador Kombo.
Minister Kombo remarked that the region has continued to do commendable work in enhancing peace and security through collaboration among Member States in which Structures like Early Warning Systems and the Panel of Elders are essential in these efforts.
He expressed gratitude to the Elders Panel and the Mediation Reference Group for their support towards regional conflict resolution and mediation initiatives.
He said the establishment of the Network of Women Mediators will help to address the needs of women and children in the peace process, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Ambassador Kombo said there is a strong commitment to combat terrorism in the region, through enhanced collaboration and capacity building at the Regional Counter Terrorism Centre located in Dar es Salaam.
On democratic governance feats, Ambassador Kombo said the region remained committed especially with four Member States that have conducted elections ensuring successful transition of power.
He also assured the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) of Tanzania’s peaceful and smooth election ahead in October.
In his introductory remarks the SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi encouraged the Member States to remain resolute and stand in solidarity regarding the changing geopolitical developments with the rising tariffs, barriers and declining of foreign aid which impacts the region.
On transnational crimes such as poaching drug illicit, human trafficking, cybercrime, arms proliferation and motor vehicle theft, Mr Magosi said SADC Police Chiefs have reaffirmed their commitment to address the problem.
He also reiterated SADC unwavering commitments to the Republic Democratic of Congo, despite the diplomacy engagement in conflict resolution, the region will continue to oversee to ensure DRC achieve lasting peace.
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