Extra-Ordinary SADC Organ TROIKA Summit appoints envoy for DRC

By Sharon Siame

An Extra-Ordinary SADC Organ TROIKA Summit has appointed a special envoy as Special Representative and Head of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo -DRC-.

Major General REUBEN NGWENYA of Malawi has been appointed as special envoy and head of the SADC mission in DRC to oversee peace functions being currently undertaken in that country.

The decision was arrived at during a virtual Extra-Ordinary SADC Organ TROIKA SUMMIT held this afternoon, which was attended by President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA.

The meeting was chaired by the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation SAMIA HASSAN who is also President of Tanzania.

The meeting directed the immediate operationalization of the office of the Special Representative in DRC and approved the budget for the extended mission in that country.

In her opening remarks, President HASSAN said the SADC Special Representative to the DRC will be the representative of the regional bloc in liaising with other international organizations.

Meanwhile, President HASSAN congratulated the countries in the region who have recently held elections saying this demonstrates their respect for democracy and good governance.

And SADC Executive Secretary ELIAS MAGOSI said that the recently held elections in SADC demonstrated maturity of democracy in the region.

Mr. MAGOSI said the special Representative and head of Mission in DRC will play a critical role to restore peace and security through high level diplomatic engagements with various parties.