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Southern Africa: Regional Summit
Southern Africa: Regional Summit
Date distributed (ymd): 010913
Document reposted by APIC
Africa Policy Electronic Distribution List: an information service
provided by AFRICA ACTION (incorporating the Africa Policy
Information Center, The Africa Fund, and the American Committee on
Africa). Find more information for action for Africa at
http://www.africapolicy.org
+++++++++++++++++++++Document Profile+++++++++++++++++++++
Region: Southern Africa
Issue Areas: +political/rights+ +economy/development+
+security/peace+
SUMMARY CONTENTS:
This posting contains excerpts from the final communique of the
summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), held
in August in Malawi. The communique covers a wide range of
regional issues.
The full text is available on the web site of the Southern African
Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC) in Harare, which also
distributed two analyses of recent SADC developments in its most
recent newsletter.
Correspondent Munetsi Madakufamba stressed that SADC restructuring,
with centralization of the secretariat in Botswana,indicated a
greater focus on acceleration of economic aspects of regional
integration. At the same time the summit communique reflects
significant engagement by regional leaders in crises in Angola, the
Congo and Zimbabwe.
With respect to the Congo, the Office of the Facilitator for the
Inter-Congolese Dialogue, headed by the former President of
Botswana, Sir Ketumile Masire, has launched a web site
(http://www.drcpeace.org), in English and French, which supplies
information on the dialogue and the opportunity to subscribe to email
updates. The primary intended audience for the web site is the
Congolese diaspora.
Last week ABC Nightline began a five-part series on the conflict
in the Congo entitled "Heart of Darkness." A transcript and
streaming video of the first part is now available at:
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/nightline/
+++++++++++++++++end profile++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2001 SADC SUMMIT FINAL COMMUNIQUE
[From: Southern Africa News Features (SANF). SANF can be
reproduced with credit to SARDC and the author. SANF is also
available at:
http://www.sardc.net/editoral/sanf/2001
Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC)
P O Box 5690 Harare Zimbabwe Tel: 2634-738694-6 fax: 738693
Email: sardc@sardc.net
URL: http://www.sardc.net]
The Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern
African Development Community (SADC), met in Blantyre, Malawi on
12-14 August 2001, and was chaired by His Excellency, Dr. Bakili
Muluzi, President of the Republic of Malawi.
1. The Heads of State and Government of SADC present at the
Summit were:
Botswana H.E. President Festus G. Mogae
Lesotho Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili
Malawi H.E. President Bakili Muluzi
Mozambique H.E. President Joaquim Chissano
Namibia H.E. President Sam Nujoma
South Africa H.E President Thabo Mbeki
Swaziland H. M. King Mswati III
Tanzania H.E. President Benjamin W. Mkapa
Zambia H.E. President Frederick J.T. Chiluba
Zimbabwe H.E. President Robert G. Mugabe
2. The Heads of State and Government of the following countries
were represented by:
Angola H.E. Roberto Antonio Victor Francisco De Almeida,
President of the National Assembly
Democratic Republic of Congo Honourable Ngele Masudi Minister of
Justice
Mauritius Honourable Anil Kumarsingh Gayan Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Regional Cooperation
Seychelles His Excellency, Mr Peter Sinon, High Commissioner to
South Africa
...
10. On the political situation, Summit expressed satisfaction
that the region generally continues to enjoy political stability
and the consolidation of democracy, respect for the rule of law,
respect for human rights, peace and stability. In this regard,
Summit noted that special efforts were directed at deepening and
accelerating the reforms to constitutional, political and
electoral systems to ensure that they are participatory,
transparent, accountable, inclusive and predictable. Summit
congratulated President Benjamin Mkapa of the United Republic of
Tanzania and Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth of the Republic of
Mauritius for their victory at the polls. Summit looked forward
to the successful holding of Presidential and general elections
in Zambia later this year and in Lesotho and Angola in 2002.
Presidential elections will be held in Zimbabwe in 2002.
11. Summit noted that regrettably there were still pockets of
conflict and war in the member States of Angola and the DRC. In
these countries, thousands of people have been displaced as a
result of war, and many others have become refugees. However,
there are encouraging indications of the resolution of these
conflicts.
Summit noted with satisfaction that the peace process is back on
track in the DRC. Summit commended President Joseph Kabila for
his commitment to the peace process, and the tireless efforts of
President Chiluba of Zambia, with the support of other Heads of
State, in brokering peace. Summit also acknowledged the key role
of the facilitator of the Inter-Congolese dialogue, Sir Ketumile
Masire. Following the adoption of a Declaration of Fundamental
Principles by the Congolese Parties in Lusaka in May 2001, the
preparatory meeting of Inter-Congolese Dialogue is now set to
begin on August 20, 2001 in Gaborone Botswana. Summit called on
all the Congolese Parties to attend this meeting. Summit
expressed full support for the dialogue and hoped that it will be
a success.
Summit also noted that the disengagement and redeployment of
forces in the DRC have started. In particular, the SADC Allied
Forces, Uganda and Rwanda have started withdrawing their troops
from the DRC, in accordance with the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement,
the Kampala Disengagement Plan and Harare Sub-Plans as well as
United Nations Security Council resolutions 1304, 1341, and 1355.
Summit also noted the deployment of United Nations Military
observers under MONUC II. Summit appealed to the international
community to continue its support to the Joint Military
Commission in order for the latter to undertake its work
effectively.
Summit condemned the looting of natural resources and minerals of
the DRC, and called upon member States to prohibit the
importation or transit of these resources through their
territories.
12. On Angola, Summit welcomed the continued UN sanctions against
UNITA. Summit also noted that SADC has approved measures in
response to the UN Security Council Resolution on sanctions
against UNITA. These are: the installation of Mobile Radar
Systems in the SADC region to detect illegal flights across SADC
national borders; the mechanism for the international
certification system for trade in rough diamonds; and the
creation of a task force to compile data and to formulate a
strategy to stop the supply of petroleum products to UNITA. In
this regard, Summit endorsed the creation of an Ad-hoc Committee,
coordinated by the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence
and Security, composed of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe
to compile a full report on how SADC member States are
implementing the recommendations of Resolution 1295 of the
Security Council. The report will be submitted to the United
Nations.
13. Summit expressed concern at the humanitarian situation in
Angola brought about by Dr Jonas Savimbi's wanton attacks on
civilian targets. As a result, thousands of people have been
killed, maimed and displaced. Summit, therefore appealed to the
international community to provide increased humanitarian
assistance to the displaced people of Angola. Summit expressed
its commitment to continue intensifying the search for peaceful
and lasting solutions to the longstanding conflict in Angola.
14. In its consideration of the situation in Zimbabwe, Summit
welcomed the initiative of President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria
to mediate between Zimbabwe and United Kingdom, and further
welcomed the readiness of the Government of Zimbabwe to fully
cooperate with the President of Nigeria. Summit also expressed
its total support for the initiative in the expectation that a
positive outcome will emerge for all parties concerned.
Summit expressed concern on the effects of the Zimbabwe economic
situation on the region, and indicated its readiness to engage in
a dialogue with the Government of Zimbabwe and other cooperating
partners to resolve the situation. Summit established a task
force comprising the SADC Troika, Botswana, Mozambique and South
Africa, to work with the Government of Zimbabwe on the economic
and political issues affecting Zimbabwe.
...
17. Summit also received a report from His Excellency, President
Thabo Mbeki of South Africa on the efforts being made to put into
operation the New African Initiative (NAI). President Mbeki
informed Summit that G8 leaders have indicated their interest in
supporting NAI and will be working with the OAU to come up with
detailed planning and implementation schedules. Support has also
been received from the UN, the European Union, the World Bank,
the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation.
Summit noted the nomination by the Southern African region of
Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa to be part of the 15 member
task force of African Heads of States and Government on the
implementation of NAI.
18. With regard to the economic situation, Summit expressed
satisfaction at the far reaching economic reforms being
implemented by SADC Member States, in pursuance of their shared
vision of creating a regional economic community through deeper
economic integration. A number of SADC countries have managed to
put themselves on a sustainable economic growth path, through the
implementation of appropriate macro-economic policies.
Summit observed that on average, the region has achieved positive
GDP growth rates since 1995. In the year 2000, the average growth
rate of the region reached 3.4%, almost double that of 1999 which
stood at 1.8%. However, these growth rates are significantly
below the growth target of 6% that is required to have a
meaningful impact on eradicating poverty. The challenge,
therefore, is to catapult the economic growth rate of the region
to levels that will have a meaningful impact on eradicating
poverty.
19. Summit noted the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS,
Tuberculosis, Malaria and other infectious diseases on the
population of the region. In particular, Summit expressed concern
that the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Southern African region
continues to be a major developmental challenge. It is estimated
that about 10 million citizens are living with HIV/AIDS,
accounting for about 5 percent of the total population of the
region. This has a negative impact on productivity in the region,
because it is mostly the young productive age group that is dying
from HIV/AIDS-related diseases. Summit noted that SADC is working
on a programme to ensure that the majority of the people have
access to affordable drugs for HIV/AIDS related diseases.
20. On the food situation in the region, Summit noted that this
is greatly influenced by weather conditions, civil strife and
national policies. In the 2000/2001 growing season, the region
experienced unfavourable weather in most countries. As a result,
current projections show a combined all-cereals deficit of 3.87
million tonnes for the 2001/2002 marketing year against a small
surplus of 583,000 tonnes assessed for 2000/2001 marketing year.
Total domestic cereal availability is estimated at 25.04 million
tonnes and this is insufficient to meet total requirements
estimated at 28.91 million tonnes including 2.30 million tonnes
needed for replenishing Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) stocks.
On an individual country basis, all-cereal surpluses are
estimated for South Africa only. Domestic cereal shortfalls
persist and bring about significant food insecurity in Angola due
to internal strife. Cereal deficits are also anticipated in
Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland,
Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Regarding maize production, Summit noted that the forecasts
indicate a regional deficit of 2.10 million tonnes with South
Africa and Mozambique being the only countries projecting small
maize surpluses of 180,000 tonnes and 7,000 tonnes respectively.
All other SADC countries are anticipated to face maize deficits
or import requirements of varying degrees, which, however, cannot
be satisfied from the available surpluses in South Africa and
Mozambique. The need for humanitarian assistance in Angola
persists due to the internal situation in that country.
An urgent appeal for food assistance for 2 million people has
been launched in Zambia, in the light of a 39% fall in maize
production. Maize shortfalls are also projected for Lesotho,
Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Summit noted that most of the remaining
SADC countries have/or are planning to put in place contingency
measures to deal with the unexpected food insecurity. In
countries such as Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and
Zimbabwe, the assessed deficits are likely to be covered through
increased commercial imports with little or no donor aid. Over
the years, Zimbabwe has introduced a policy and programme of
strategic grain reserves to take care of anticipated difficult
years. In Angola, FAO/WFP Mission has assessed a food aid
requirement of about 176,000 tonnes. Summit noted with concern
the grave food situation in some member States, and directed SADC
Ministers of Agriculture to meet as soon as possible to review
the food situation and develop a regional strategy to ameliorate
the situation.
21. Summit noted that another great challenge facing the region
is the issue of land reform. Land is important in the region
since the majority of the people of SADC live in rural areas, and
depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The question of the
distribution of land, and how it is utilised as a productive
asset has a direct impact on rural poverty. The situation as it
currently stands is that many SADC member States are at various
stages of land reform, and many others are contemplating
initiating it in one form or another. Summit therefore noted the
urgent need for member States to share strategies and
experiences, with a view to adopting common approaches and
strategies.
22. On the issue of gender equality, Summit received a report on
the progress made by SADC member States towards reaching the
target of 30% of women in politics and decision-making structures
by the year 2005, which was set out in the 1997 SADC Declaration
on Gender and Development.
The picture emerging in the region regarding parliaments shows
that half of SADC member States are at 15% and above with South
Africa having reached the target followed by Mozambique (28.4%)
and Seychelles at 24%. The remaining member States have
percentages of women in parliament ranging between 5.9% and 10%.
Summit noted that so far, only Tanzania has amended its
constitution raising the quota of women members of Parliament
from 15% to 20% and that for local government from 25% to 33%. It
noted with concern that only a few member States have made
significant progress in meeting the target.
Summit approved that member States should establish mechanisms
which would accelerate an increase in the numbers of women in
political and decision making positions, with a view to meeting
the target of 30% by the year 2005. Summit also approved that
Member States should present reports at its annual meetings on
the steps they have taken, as well as the progress made in this
regard.
Summit urged member States to seize the opportunity presented by
elections, cabinet reshuffles, and other opportunities where
vacancies occur, to nominate women to positions of decision
making.
...
25. Summit received a progress Report from the Council of
Ministers on the implementation of the Review of the Operations
of SADC institutions. These include planned studies on the
Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP); the
Implementation of the new SADC Secretariat Structure; and the
Auditing of Assets, Programmes and Projects in Sector
Coordinating Units and SADC Institutions. Summit noted the
progress made on the establishment of new directorates. Summit
also noted with satisfaction that member States have seconded
staff to the SADC Secretariat.
...
27. Summit appointed Mr Albert M. Muchanga, a national of Zambia,
as the new Deputy Executive Secretary of SADC. Mr Muchanga was
sworn in at the closing ceremony of Summit.
28. Summit unanimously elected President Joaquim Alberto Chissano
of the Republic of Mozambique as the next Chairperson of the
Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation for a term of
one year. Summit also elected President Benjamin Mkapa of the
United Republic of Tanzania as Deputy Chairperson, thus
completing the Troika which includes the past Chairperson, His
Excellency, President Robert Mugabe of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
...
Blantyre, Malawi 14 August 2001
This material is being reposted for wider distribution by Africa
Action (incorporating the Africa Policy Information Center, The
Africa Fund, and the American Committee on Africa). Africa
Action's information services provide accessible information and
analysis in order to promote U.S. and international policies
toward Africa that advance economic, political and social
justice and the full spectrum of human rights.
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