Title: Strengthening Regional Cooperation: SADC Justice Ministers Meeting in Kinshasa Opens New Prospects for Development in Southern Africa
Introduction :
From Thursday 20 to Friday 21 July 2023, Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), hosted the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of Justice of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This meeting was an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Member States and to develop strategies to promote the development of the region. The DRC Minister of Justice, Rose Mutombo, welcomed the conclusions of this meeting and expressed her willingness to work together to build a stronger, united and prosperous SADC.
Strengthen regional integration:
The main objective of this meeting was to deepen the regional integration of Southern Africa and foster its development. Ministers reviewed the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan for the period 2020-2030, which aims to enhance the economic, political and social integration of the region. Recommendations were also made to expedite the process of ratification of legal instruments, thus demonstrating the commitment of Member States to promote closer regional cooperation.
Improvement of the legal and economic framework:
During the meeting, in-depth discussions took place on draft key legal instruments aimed at enhancing the integration of the region. Among these projects, the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labor as well as the SADC Declaration on Accelerating Action to End AIDS as a Public Health Threat were discussed. These initiatives aim to improve the legal and economic framework of the region and to promote sustainable growth and development.
The SADC Tribunal:
Another important topic discussed at the meeting was the issue of the SADC Tribunal. Measures were discussed to strengthen its role and functioning in the settlement of disputes between Member States. This initiative aims to ensure fair and effective justice within the Southern African development community.
Conclusion :
The meeting of SADC Ministers of Justice in Kinshasa marked an important step in strengthening regional cooperation and the development of Southern Africa. Member States expressed their commitment to deepen regional integration and to improve the legal and economic framework of the region. This meeting also allowed to discuss drafts of crucial legal instruments and to strengthen the role of the SADC Tribunal