Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been appointed Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
She assumed the role at the 44th SADC Summit in Zimbabwe on Sunday, August 17.
Suluhu succeeds Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema. Her new role involves overseeing regional political, defence, and security issues within SADC.
The State House of Tanzania congratulated Suluhu, stating, “‘Hongera Mhe. Rais Dkt. Samia kwa kuteuliwa kuwa Mwenyekiti wa Asasi ya Siasa, Ulinzi na Usalama ya SADC (SADC - Organ Troika).’”
The SADC Organ Troika makes decisions and provides policy direction between regular summits.
Suluhu plans to focus on security, political stability, and economic development during her one-year term. Her goal is a more secure and prosperous SADC region.
At the same time, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has succeeded Angolan President João Lourenço as the SADC Chairperson. Mnangagwa will guide the organisation’s policy and legal functions.