HARARE: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has won accolades from among the Southern African Development Community (SADC) members.
The praises were poured on the Head of State, even before she assumed the crucial role of chairing the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Speaking virtually from Zambia on Thursday evening, the outgoing chair of the organ, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, singled out President Samia as an exceptional leader.
Towards closure of the meeting that physically took place at the New Parliament Building at Mount Hapdeo on the outskirts of the city,
President Hichilema was proud of how his Tanzanian counterpart showed leadership even before assuming officially the chair.
“I am pleased that President Samia is ready to take over the chair of the Troika.
“Be assured that the Republic of Zambia will be with you and work with you throughout your term,” said President Hichilema, amid applause from the members present.
He noted that he was happy to see President Samia ready to take the chair, pledging full support, in anticipation of a brighter future ahead for the organ and SADC.
Samia officially received the mantle to lead the organ yesterday, during the SADC Summit at the same venue.
President Hichilema was happy to see that President Samia carried well the duties to lead a meeting of the SADC-Organ Troika Summit, the day before yesterday on his behalf.
The Zambian Head of State noted that it was with a purpose that President Samia was trusted to take the chair earlier on.
Expounding, Mr Hichilema said it is widely known how Tanzania (hence its leaders) has been put on trust when issues related to democracy and the affiliated ones emerge.
He emerged with a high note, saying that Tanzania has been an outstanding example on such matters and that all SADC leaders put their trust on her undoubtedly.
What’s now next for Tanzania and President Samia?
Having assumed the Chair, it means the President has received further mandate in leading the directorate:
Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs that is mandated to provide a foundation of peace and stability in SADC, as a prerequisite for the achievement of the body’s objectives.
The objectives vary from socio-economic development to poverty eradication and regional integration, as espoused in the SADC Vision 2050 and the RISDP 2020-2030.
The directorate covers areas of Politics and Diplomacy, Defence, State Security, Public Security, Regional Peacekeeping and Police.
As such, it is guided by the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation that aims to promote peace and security in SADC.
It is also out to protect the region’s people from instability due to the breakdown of law and order, develop a common foreign policy for the region, and cooperate on matters related to security and defence.
Earlier this week, Tanzania’s analysts expressed strong confidence in President Samia leadership.
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They believe her commitment to democracy, good governance and her Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform and Rebuild (4Rs) philosophy will contribute in setting high standard in other member states.
In an interview with the ‘Sunday News,’ a lecturer at the Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Relations (CFR), Mr Innocent Shoo praised President Samia’s proven track record in advancing democracy and good governance in Tanzania.
He believes her leadership will be an inspiration for other SADC member States and anticipates she will work towards enhancing peace and stability in the region, especially in conflict-prone areas like northern Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Kivu and Goma.
