Title: Strengthening regional cooperation: SADC Justice Ministers Committee meets in Kinshasa
Introduction :
From Thursday July 20 to Friday July 21, 2023, Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was the scene of an important meeting. Indeed, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Justice Ministers Committee met to discuss and enhance cooperation among member states. This meeting was welcomed by the Congolese Minister of Justice, Rose Mutombo, who considers these conclusions as a step forward towards the development and integration of the region.
Strengthening regional integration:
The meeting of the SADC Committee of Ministers of Justice in Kinshasa was an opportunity to discuss various issues crucial to strengthening regional integration. One such issue was the amendment to Annex VII of the Trade Protocol relating to trade in sugar, which required the approval of Ministers before being submitted to the Committee of Trade Ministers for adoption. Rose Mutombo stressed the importance of validating these amendments and also called on States to speed up the process of ratifying legal instruments.
A Regional Court for SADC:
DRC Justice Minister Rose Mutombo also raised the issue of the SADC Tribunal during the meeting. This institution plays a vital role in resolving disputes within the region and promoting justice. Rose Mutombo stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening this institution to ensure a strong judicial system within SADC.
Future prospects :
Rose Mutombo concluded her intervention by expressing her belief that collaboration among SADC Member States will continue to strengthen the region. She stressed the importance of working together to build a stronger, more united and more prosperous SADC. This meeting of SADC Ministers of Justice in Kinshasa thus laid the foundations for enhanced cooperation and showed the commitment of Member States to the development of the region.
Conclusion :
The meeting of the SADC Committee of Ministers of Justice in Kinshasa was a success and helped to strengthen cooperation between Member States. Discussions focused on key issues such as the amendment to the Sugar Trade Protocol and the need to ratify legal instruments. This meeting also recalled the importance of the SADC Tribunal in promoting justice and resolving disputes