SADC region still feeling harsh aftershocks of conflicts: Lamola

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola asserts that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region continues to grapple with the harsh consequences of conflicts. As leaders are set to convene the 46th SADC Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government next week, the gathering will focus on themes such as "Resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation through infrastructure development, agricultural and critical minerals transformation in pursuit of a just world."

Lamola emphasizes that the region's natural resources could help cushion it from the devastating humanitarian and economic consequences of conflicts. The summit agenda will also likely include the issue of undocumented immigration, with the South African government advocating for regular and lawful migration. SADC remains a relatively stable region, but hotspots such as Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar persist.

SADC Chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirms SADC's commitment to Madagascar, emphasizing the need for an inclusive, time-bound, and nationally owned reform process. The summit aims to mobilize resources and strengthen cooperation among member states, taking advantage of the region's abundant domestic resources, including pension funds, insurance funds, and equity funders.