Southern Africa: Chihana Urges SADC Unity As Region Faces Congo, Madagascar and Mozambique Crises

What the report says

Malawi’s Second Vice-President Enock Chihana urged Southern African Development Community leaders to act with openness, mutual respect and a shared purpose as the region confronts several security and political crises. According to Nyasa Times, the appeal came on 16 August 2026 during the SADC Organ Troika Summit on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in Durban, South Africa.

The meeting focused on instability affecting the region, including the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, unrest in Madagascar and ongoing political and security difficulties in Mozambique. Chihana said the bloc’s past efforts had shown the value of solidarity and collective action, and he framed the summit as a chance for member states to reinforce peace and stability through dialogue.

Nyasa Times also reported that Chihana voiced support for Eswatini as the incoming chair to carry the Organ’s work forward. Later in the day, he led a Malawian delegation into bilateral talks with Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo on the sidelines of the summit. Those discussions, attended by Malawi’s foreign affairs and defence ministers, centered on strengthening ties between the two neighbors and advancing peace, security and socio-economic cooperation. The developments underscore how SADC states are balancing immediate security concerns with broader regional diplomacy.