Dr Nyansaho attends the SADC Organ Troika Summit on  regional peace,security, socio-economic development

DURBAN: THE Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Rhimo Nyansaho, has arrived in Durban, South Africa, to represent President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Summit.

The summit is being held on August 16 and 17, 2026, with the agenda focusing on key issues related to peace and security, socio-economic development and the implementation of decisions made by the regional bloc.

Dr Nyansaho is scheduled to attend the SADC Organ Troika Summit of Heads of State and Government on August 16, before participating in the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit on August 17.

Prior to attending the meetings, Dr Nyansaho received a briefing on preparations and key agenda items from Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation James Kinyasi Millya during a special session aimed at updating him on issues discussed at ministerial and permanent secretary levels.

Speaking during the briefing, Millya said the Heads of State and Government Summit would discuss a range of issues affecting the future of the SADC region, including peace and security, socio-economic development, implementation of SADC decisions and contributions by member states towards strengthening the regional community.

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“Tanzania’s participation in these meetings continues to demonstrate the commitment of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to working with SADC member states to strengthen peace and security, promote regional cooperation and ensure that the interests of citizens across the region remain a priority in implementing SADC’s development agenda,” Millya said.

For his part, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Said Shaib Mussa, outlined several key agenda items discussed during the preparatory meetings that are of interest to Tanzania.

Among them is the joint procurement of medicines and medical supplies, an initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation among member states and improving efficiency in the procurement and availability of essential health products.

Tanzania’s participation in the meetings underscores its continued engagement in regional discussions on peace and security, socio-economic development and the implementation of SADC decisions.