BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – Eswatini is stepping onto the regional stage with renewed purpose, taking up a leadership role that carries the hopes of millions seeking lasting peace, stronger cooperation and shared prosperity across Southern Africa.
Eswatini’s assumption of the Chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation marks an important milestone for the Kingdom and highlights its growing influence in promoting peace, security and political stability in the region.
The SADC Organ plays a vital role in preventing conflicts, supporting democratic governance, promoting human rights and encouraging peaceful dialogue among member states. By taking the chairmanship, Eswatini is entrusted with helping guide regional efforts to strengthen security, resolve disputes peacefully and deepen cooperation between neighbouring countries.
The Kingdom’s leadership comes at a time when it is also serving as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council for the 2025–2028 term. Holding these two important responsibilities reflects the confidence that both Southern African and continental leaders have placed in Eswatini’s commitment to peace and regional development.
The European Union (EU) has welcomed Eswatini’s growing role, saying the Kingdom’s leadership strengthens collective efforts to build a more peaceful and secure Africa. The EU noted that regional cooperation remains essential in addressing security challenges, promoting sustainable development and creating opportunities that improve people’s lives.
During a recent visit to Ethiopia, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, emphasised that stronger EU-Africa relations are in the shared interest of both continents. While in Djibouti, following the signing of a Status of Forces Agreement, she also highlighted the EU’s continued support in safeguarding strategic maritime routes in the Red Sea, demonstrating Europe’s commitment to regional and global security.
The EU further supports African led peace initiatives through the European Peace Facility, which provides assistance to regional organisations and partner countries to strengthen conflict prevention, crisis response and peacebuilding efforts.
For ordinary emaSwati and citizens across Southern Africa, these diplomatic milestones carry real meaning. Peace and stability encourage investment, create jobs, boost trade, improve public services and give young people greater opportunities to build successful futures without the fear of conflict or instability.
Eswatini’s leadership also presents an opportunity to strengthen dialogue among neighbouring countries, promote unity and encourage collaborative solutions to common challenges such as transnational crime, climate related disasters and economic insecurity.
As the Kingdom assumes this important regional responsibility, it carries not only the trust of fellow SADC member states but also the aspirations of millions who believe that cooperation, respect and peaceful dialogue remain the strongest foundations for a prosperous Southern Africa.
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(Courtesy Pic)
