Context
Peace, security and good governance are prerequisites for sustainable social and economic development. SADC is striving to achieve not only economic but also political integration of its 15 Member States, on the basis of democratic principles.
Objective
The political integration of peace, security and good governance within the SADC region is improved.
Approach
German international cooperation is supporting the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in the development of instruments for the prevention and resolution of armed conflicts. This includes the development of capacities and resources for mediation in political conflicts and the training of civilians for international peace missions.
GIZ provides advice and logistical support for election monitoring missions in the region by the SADC Secretariat, the Member States and a number of non-governmental organisations. With the support of GIZ, SADC has established a regional council that advises electoral commissions and national governments on the management of elections.
In order to promote cross-border cooperation in the fight against crime, the project supports the training of police officers from across the region. Training topics include gender mainstreaming as well as operations against human trafficking, the illegal arms trade, document forgery and money laundering. GIZ is also supporting the establishment of a civilian component in the SADC peacekeeping brigade.
Furthermore, GIZ is strengthening the dialogue between SADC and civil society representatives within the region. In particular, it is promoting the capacity of the SADC Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (SADC-CNGO) to carry out exchanges with relevant political stakeholders in the region, and to represent the interests of civil society organisations.
Results achieved so far
SADC has revised its regional Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO), which strengthens SADC’s commitment to respond to security challenges in the region. The document was launched during a major conference, where intensive exchanges could take place between officials, parliamentarians, civil society and international organisations.
GIZ has also contributed to the development of official standards for democratic elections in the SADC Member States. SADC monitors the adherence to these standards through its own election monitoring missions, which are deployed for all national elections in the region.
Since 2008, more than 1,000 election observers have received training for their participation in 20 elections, and a regional council has been set up to advise Member States on the management of elections.
The SADC Council of Non-Governmental Organisations has become an important partner for SADC. It is regularly consulted and it performs a lead function for civil society in the region.
The political role of SADC in conflicts within the region has also been strengthened, especially through the enhancement of support structures for mediation missions. Member States now regularly ask the regional organisation to mediate in conflicts. It has already played an important role in Lesotho, Madagascar and Zimbabwe.