Malawi is set to take centre stage in regional diplomacy next week as it hosts the 28th Ordinary Meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, bringing together top ministers from across Southern Africa to tackle some of the region’s most pressing political and security issues.
The high-level meeting will take place from July 16 to 17, 2026, at the Livingstonia International Conference Centre (LICC) in Salima and is expected to attract ministers responsible for foreign affairs, defence, public security and state security from all 16 SADC member states.Chihana to Chair SADC Organ Troika Summit on Behalf of Mutharika
According to a statement released by the SADC Secretariat, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. George Thapatula Chaponda, will chair the meeting in his capacity as Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ.
The gathering comes at a time when Southern Africa continues to face evolving political, governance and security challenges, making the meeting one of the bloc’s most significant policy platforms for strengthening regional peace and cooperation.
During the two-day ministerial session, leaders will review progress in implementing resolutions adopted by previous meetings of the Ministerial Committee, the SADC Council of Ministers and the Summit of Heads of State and Government.
The ministers are also expected to examine the current political and security landscape across the region, assess emerging threats and explore strategies aimed at promoting democracy, constitutional governance, conflict prevention and long-term regional stability.SADC Ministers Meet in Lilongwe to Address Regional Security Challenges
The meeting will reaffirm SADC’s commitment to collective action in addressing issues affecting peace and security while strengthening cooperation among member states.
Before the ministerial meeting begins, senior government officials from across the region will convene from July 13 to 14 to prepare technical reports and recommendations for ministers’ consideration.
The preparatory meeting will be chaired by Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Chauncy M.K. Simwaka, who will oversee discussions on agenda items expected to shape the outcomes of the ministerial session.
Hosting the meeting is seen as another important milestone for Malawi’s growing role in regional affairs and reflects the confidence SADC member states have placed in the country to facilitate dialogue on critical issues affecting Southern Africa.What Will SADC Decide Today? Key Outcomes That Could Affect Malawi and the Region
The SADC Secretariat says the meeting highlights the central role that peace, security and political cooperation play in achieving sustainable development and deeper regional integration.
Delegates are expected to reaffirm their shared commitment to building a peaceful, secure and united Southern Africa capable of responding effectively to emerging political and security challenges.
Established in 1996, the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation serves as the regional mechanism responsible for promoting peace, security, democratic governance and political stability while coordinating collective responses to conflicts and other security threats within the SADC region.
The outcomes of the Salima meeting are expected to influence regional policy direction and strengthen cooperation among member states in safeguarding peace, protecting democratic institutions and advancing sustainable development across Southern Africa.
