Issued by: Office of the Presidency
14 August 2001
The Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), met in Blantyre, Malawi on 12-14 August 2001, and was chaired by His Excellency, Dr Bakili Muluzi, President of the Republic of Malawi.
1. The Heads of State and Government of SADC present at the Summit were:
Botswana - H.E. President Festus G Mogae
Lesotho - Rt Hon Prime Minister Pakalitha
Malawi - H.E. President Bakili Muluzi
Mozambique - H.E. President Joaquim Chissano
Namibia - H.E. President Sam Nujoma
South Africa - H.E. President Thabo Mbeki
Swaziland - H.M King Mswati III
Tanzania - H.E. President Benjamin W Mkapa
Zambia - H.E. President Frederick J.T. Chiluba
Zimbabwe - H.E. President Robert G Mugabe
2. The Heads of State and Government of the following countries were represented by:
Angola - H.E. Roberto Antonio Victor Francisco De Almedia, President of the National Assembly
Democratic Republic of Congo - Honourable Ngele Masudi Minister of Justice
Mauritius - Honourable Anil Kumarsingh Gayan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Co-operation
Seychelles - His Excellency, Mr Peter Sinon, High Commissioner to South Africa
3. Also in attendance were the Secretary General of the Organisation of African Unity, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim; the secretary General of the Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa, Mr Erastus O Mwencha; Representatives of the African Development Bank and the UN Economic Commission for Africa.
4. In his address to the opening session of the Summit, the outgoing SADC Chairperson, H.E. Sam Nujoma, President of the Republic of Namibia, noted that SADC leaders were committed to making the organisation operationally effective and efficient, so that it can respond positively to challenges such as poverty, HIV/AIDS and globalisation that impact negatively on the livelihoods of the people of SADC. In addition President Nujoma reported on the progress made towards the implementation of the new SADC structure. In particular he stressed the establishment of the Directorate on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment on August 2, 2001 and the preparation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan. He noted that 40 percent of the region's population still live in abject poverty, which makes it imperative for SADC to address the problem of poverty alleviation and its eventual eradication. He observed that SADC economies have to grow at an average of 6-6,7 percent in order to attain sustainable economic development and to substantially reduce poverty.
5. The incoming Chairperson of SADC, H.E. Bakili Muluzi, President of the Republic of Malawi, and host of the 2001 Summit, extended a warm welcome to SADC Heads of State and Government, and other delegates to Malawi, the "Warm Heart of Africa". He noted that SADC's economic goals will be irrelevant unless the region achieves peace and security. He expressed grave concern at the conflicts in Angola and DRC, and stressed that peace and stability were a prerequisite for economic growth and development. He also stated that efforts to develop the region have been hampered by the vagaries of weather that have caused problems such as floods and droughts.
6. In his address to the Summit, the OAU Secretary General, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim noted that Regional Economic Communities (RECs) such as SADC, constitute an important part of the African Union. Dr Salim also noted that the Constitutive Act of the African Union has as one of its objectives, the co-ordination and harmonisation of policies and programmes between existing and future RECs. Dr Salim further observed that the OAU Summit in Lusaka, Zambia in July 2001 called on the policy organs of the RECs to initiate a reflection on the relationship between the African Union and the RECs, including the adoption of appropriate decisions on the most effective modalities for actualising this relationship.
7. In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr Prega Ramsamy noted that SADC is consolidating and deepening its integration agenda through the restructuring process in order to better equip the organisation to deliver on its mandate of improving the welfare of the people through the reduction of poverty and its eventual eradication. He also noted the SADC should accelerate the process of integration, as this would create a large economic space and provide economies of scale. The Executive Secretary also emphasised the need for increased domestic investment.
8. The official opening of the Summit also witnessed the announcement of the winners of the 2001 Regional Secondary Schools Essay Competition, whose theme was "Poverty Alleviation in the SADC Region: the Role of Regional Integration and Co-operation". The first prize was awarded to: Lucinda Heyns of Namibia, the second prize to Sibanesezwe Malunga of Zimbabwe and the third to Rushika Seeras of Mauritius.
9. Summit adopted the system of electing the Chairperson of SADC at the commencement of the first working session of Summit. His Excellency, Dr Bakili Muluzi, President of the term of one year. Summit also elected His Excellency, Mr Eduardo Dos Santos as Deputy Chairperson for one year/ Consequently, His Excellency President Muluzi chaired the Summit.
10. On the political situation, Summit expressed satisfaction that the region generally continues to enjoy political stability and the consolidation of democracy, respect for the rule of law, respect for human rights, peace and stability. In his regard, Summit noted that special efforts were directed at deepening and accelerating the reforms to constitutional, political and electoral systems to ensure that they are participatory, transparent, accountable, inclusive and predictable. Summit congratulated President Benjamin Mkapa of the United Republic of Tanzania and Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth of the Republic of Mauritius for their victory at the polls. Summit looked forward to the successful holding of Presidential and general elections in Zambia later this year and in Lesotho and Angola in 2002. Presidential elections will be held in Zimbabwe in 2002.
Summit noted that regrettably there were still pockets of conflict and war in the member States of Angola and the DRC. In these countries, thousands of people have been displaced as a result of war, and many others have become refugees. However, there are encouraging indications of the resolution of these conflicts.
Summit noted with satisfaction that the peace process is back on track in the DRC. Summit commended President Joseph Kabila for his commitment to the peace process, and the tireless efforts of President Chiluba of Zambia, with the support of other Heads of State, in brokering peace. Summit also acknowledged the key role of the facilitator of the Inter-Congolese dialogue, Sir Ketumile Masire. Following the adoption of a Declaration of Fundamental Principles by the Congolese Parties in Lusaka in May 2001, the preparatory meeting of Inter-Congolese Dialogue is now set to begin on August 20, 2001 in Gaborone Botswana. Summit called on all the Congolese Parties in Lusaka in May 2001, the preparatory meeting of Inter-Congolese Dialogue is now set to begin on August 20, 2001 in Gaborone Botswana. Summit called on all the Congolese Parties to attend this meeting. Summit expressed full support for the dialogue and hoped that it will be a success.
Summit also noted that the disengagement and redeployment of forces in the DRC have started. In particular, the SADC Allied Forces, Uganda and Rwanda have started withdrawing their troops from the DRC, in accordance with the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, the Kampala Disengagement Plan and Harare Sub-Plan as well as United Nations Security Council resolutions 1304, 1341, and 1355.
Summit also noted the deployment of United Nations Military observers under MONUC II. Summit appealed to the international community to continue its support to the Joint Military Commission in order for the latter to undertake its work effectively. Summit condemned the looting of natural resources and minerals of the DRC, and called upon member States to prohibit the importation of transit of these resources through their territories.
12. On Angola, Summit welcomed the continued UN sanctions against UNITA. Summit also noted that SADC has approved measures in response to the UN Security Council Resolution on sanctions against UNITA. These are: the installation of Mobile, Radar Systems in the SADC region to detect illegal flights across SADC national borders; the mechanism for the international certification system for trade in rough diamonds; and the creation of a task force to compile data and to formulate a strategy to stop the supply of petroleum products to UNITA. In this regard, Summit endorsed the creation of an Ad-hoc Committee, co-ordinated by the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, composed of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe to compile a full report on how SADC member States are implementing the recommendations of Resolution 1295 of the Security Council. The report will be submitted to the United Nations.
13. Summit expressed concern at the humanitarian situation in Angola brought about by Dr Jonas Savimbi's wanton attacks on civilian targets. As a result, thousands of people have been killed, maimed and displaced. Summit, therefore appealed to the international community to provide increased humanitarian assistance to the displaced people of Angola. Summit expressed its commitment to continue intensifying the search for peaceful and lasting solutions to the long-standing conflict in Angola.
14. In its consideration of the situation in Zimbabwe, Summit welcomed the initiative of President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria to mediate between Zimbabwe and United Kingdom, and further welcomed the readiness of the Government of Zimbabwe to fully co-operate with the President of Nigeria. Summit also expressed its total support for the initiative in the expectation that a positive outcome will emerge for all parties concerned.
Summit expressed concern on the effects of the Zimbabwe economic situation on the region, and indicated its readiness to engage in a dialogue with the Government of Zimbabwe and other co-operating partners to resolve the situation. Summit established a task force comprising the SADC Troika, Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa, to work with the Government of Zimbabwe on the economic and political issues affecting Zimbabwe.
15. Summit received a report from the outgoing Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation, His Excellency President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, which gave an overall picture of the political, defence and security situation in the region.
16. Summit noted that at the continental level, through collective efforts, remarkable progress has been achieved towards strengthening African unity. To this end, a giant step has been taken with the transformation of the OAU into the African Union (AU) and the initiation of the New African Initiative. Summit also noted that the region is faced with a formidable challenge to ensure that these new initiatives work for the benefit of all the people of the continent. In this regard, Summit received a report from the Chairperson of the OAU, His Excellency, President Frederick J. T. Chiluba of Zambia on the transformation of the OAU into the African Union. President Chiluba informed Summit that modalities were being worked on for the launch of the AU in July 2002. Summit directed that Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance meet to articulate a strategy vis a vis the transformation of the OAU into the AU and the New Africa Initiative.
17. Summit also received a report from His Excellency, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa on the efforts being made to put into operation the New African Initiative (NAI). President Mbeki informed Summit that G8 leaders have indicated their interest in support NAI and will be working with the OAU to come up with detailed planning and implementation schedules. Support has also been received from the UN, the European Union, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation. Summit noted the nomination by the Southern African region of Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa to be part of the 15 member task force of African Heads of States and Government on the implementation of NAI.
18. With regard to the economic situation, Summit expressed satisfaction at the far reaching economic reforms being implemented by SADC Member States, in pursuance of their shared vision of creating a regional economic community through deeper economic integration. A number of SADC countries have managed to put themselves on a sustainable economic growth path, through the implementation of appropriate macro-economic policies.
Summit observed that on average, the region has achieved positive GDP growth rates since 1995. In the year 2000, the average growth rate of the region reached 3,4%, almost double that of 1999 which stood at 1,8. However, these growth rates are significantly below the growth target of 6% that is required to have a meaningful impact on eradicating poverty. The challenge, therefore, is to catapult the economic growth rate of the region to levels that will have a meaningful impact on eradicating poverty.
19. Summit noted the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and other infectious diseases on the population of the region. In particular, Summit expressed concern that the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Southern African region continues to be a major developmental challenge. It is estimated that about 10 million citizens are living with HIV/AIDS, accounting for about 5 percent of the total population of the region. This has a negative impact on productivity in the region, because it is mostly the young productive age group that is dying from HIV/AIDS-related diseases. Summit noted that SADC is working on a programme to ensure that the majority of the people have access to affordable drugs for HIV/AIDS related diseases.
20. On the food situation in the region, Summit noted that this is greatly influenced by weather conditions, civil strife and national policies. In the 2000/2001 growing season, the region experienced unfavourable weather in most countries. As a result, current projects show a combined all-cereals deficit of 3.87 million tonnes for the 2001/2002 marketing year against a small surplus of 583,000 tonnes assessed for 2000/2001 marketing year.
Total domestic cereal availability is estimated at 25.04 million tonnes and this is insufficient to meet total requirements estimated at 28.91 million tonnes including 2.30 million tonnes needed for replenishing Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) stocks. On an individual country basis, all-cereal surpluses are estimated for South Africa only. Domestic cereal shortfalls persist and bring about significant food insecurity in Angola due to internal strife. Cereal deficits are also anticipated in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Regarding maize production, Summit noted that the forecasts indicate a regional deficit of 2.10 million tonnes with South Africa and Mozambique being the only countries projecting small maize surpluses of 180,000 tonnes and 7,000 tonnes respectively. All other SADC countries are anticipated to face maize deficits or import requirements of varying degrees, which, however, cannot be satisfied from the available surpluses in South Africa and Mozambique. The need for humanitarian assistance in Angola persists due to the internal situation in that country.
An urgent appeal for food assistance for 2 million people has been launched in Zambia, in the light of a 39% fall in maize production. Maize shortfall are also projected for Lesotho, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Summit noted that most of the remaining SADC countries have/or are planning to put in place contingency measures to deal with the unexpected food insecurity. In countries such as Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe, the assessed deficits are likely to be covered through increased commercial imports with little or no donor aid. Over the years, Zimbabwe has introduced a policy and programme of strategic grain reserves to take care of anticipated difficult years. In Angola, FAO/WFP Mission has assessed a food aid requirement of about 176,00 tonnes. Summit noted with concern the grave food situation in some member States, and directed SADC Ministers of Agriculture to meet as soon as possible to review the food situation and develop a regional strategy to ameliorate the situation.
21. Summit noted that another great challenge facing the region is the issue of land reform. Land is important in the region since the majority of the people of SADC live in rural areas, and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The question of the distribution of land, and how it is utilised as a productive asset has a direct impact on rural poverty. The situation as it currently stands is that many SADC member States are at various stages of land reform, and many others are contemplating initiating it in one form or another. Summit therefore noted the urgent need for member States to share strategies and experiences, with a view to adopting common approaches and strategies.
22. On the issue of gender equality, Summit received a report on the progress made by SADC member States towards reaching the target of 30% of women in politics and decision-making structures by the year 2005, which was set out in the 1997 SADC Declaration on Gender and Development.
The picture emerging in the region regarding parliaments shows that half of SADC member States are at 15% and above with South Africa having reached the target followed by Mozambique (28.4%) and Seychelles at 24%. The remaining member States have percentages of women in parliament ranging between 5.9% and 10%. Summit noted that so far, only Tanzania has amended its constitution raising the quota of women members of Parliament from 15% to 20% and that for local government from 25% to 33%. It noted with concern that only a few member States have made significant progress in meeting the target.
Summit approved that member States should establish mechanisms which would accelerate an increase in the numbers of women in political and decision making positions, with a view to meeting the target of 30% by the year 2005. Summit also approved that Member States should present reports at its annual meetings on the steps they have taken, as well as the progress made in this regard. Summit urged member States to seize the opportunity presented by elections, cabinet reshuffles, and other opportunities where vacancies occur, to nominate women to positions of decision making.
23. Summit noted that fifteen protocols have been successfully negotiated and concluded and of these, eight have entered into force. Summit also expressed concern that there appears to be no proper assessment of the implementation of these numerous protocols and urged member States to effectively implement them. Summit also urged member States to ratifying or accede to all Protocols as speedily as possible. Summit signed the following five Protocols:
Politics Defence and Security Co-operation;
Firearms, Ammunition and other Related Materials;
Fisheries; Culture, Information and Sport; and
The Protocol Against Corruption.
Summit also signed an Agreement Amending the Treaty, and a Declaration on Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
24. An interactive business lunch between Heads of State and SADC Business leaders also took place during the Summit, reflecting recognition of the important role played by the private sector in regional integration. During this session, SADC Heads of State hosted different tables of the business community, at which they exchanged views on the state of the business environment in the region. The luncheon was organised under the auspices of the Association of SADC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCCI).
25. Summit received a progress Report from the Council of Ministers on the implementation of the Review of the Operations of SADC institutions. These include planned studies of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP); the Implementation of the new SADC Secretariat Structure; and the Auditing of Assets, Programmes and Projects in Sector Co-ordinating Units and SADC Institutions. Summit noted the progress made on the establishment of new directorates. Summit also noted with satisfaction that member States have seconded staff to the SADC Secretariat.
26. Summit commended South Africa for hosting the upcoming World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance from August 31, 2001 to September 7, 2001 and urged all member States to be well represented at this conference.
27. Summit appointed Mr Albert M Muchanga, a national of Zambia, as the new Deputy Executive Secretary of SADC. Mr Muchanga was sworn in at the closing ceremony of Summit.
28. Summit unanimously elected President Joaquim Alberto Chissano of the Republic of Mozambique as the next Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation for a term of one year. Summit also elected President Benjamin Mkapa of the United Republic of Tanzania as Deputy Chairperson, thus completing the Troika which includes the past Chairperson, His Excellency, President Robert Mugabe of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
29. Summit received a statement from the Second Meeting of the First Ladies, which was held under the theme "Woman: The Foundation of Life".
30. Summit accepted the offer of the Government of the Republic of Angola to host the next Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in 2002 in Angola.
31. Summit thanked His Excellency President Sam Nujoma and His Excellency President Robert Mugabe for chairing SADC and the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation respectively, and the accomplishments of SADC during their tenure of office.
32. Summit thanked representatives of other regional and continental organisations for attending the 2001 Summit.
33. Summit expressed its appreciation to the Government and people of Malawi for hosting the Summit and for the warm hospitality extended to all the distinguished delegates. Summit also thanked all SADC institution, which contributed to the successful organisation of the Summit.
34. His Excellency President Bakili Muluzi of Malawi officially closed the Summit and outlined his vision as Chairperson of SADC for the next year.
35. His Excellency President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania passed a vote of thanks.
Blantyre, Malawi