Zambia takes over leadership in SADC process in Lesotho

MINISTER of Defence Hon. Davies Chama has witnessed the handover of Zambia assuming the chairmanship of the SADC Oversight Committee in Lesotho, Mr Mwila said President Edgar Lungu was keen to see peace and stability in Lesotho.He said that SADC was committed to the realisation of a peaceful, stable and secure Lesotho.He said that Zambia was keen to see that SADC resolutions and aspirations on Lesotho was implemented.He commended the people of Lesotho for the progress made so far that included the national dialogue process.He said SADC was hopeful that the reforms could only be succesful if the Basotho people owned the process.He said Zambia as Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Defence and Politics, will help provide leadership in resolving the conflict in Lesotho.The SADC Oversight Committee in Lesotho comprises Zambia as Chairperson, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Angola and South Africa.Lesotho has been characterised by rising tensions between the securiry and defence structure with the political structures.SADC also appointed a SADC facilitator to Lesotho, President Cyril Ramaphosa to help restore peace in the Kingdom.Lesotho was plunged into instability when former army commander of the Lesotho Defence Force, Lt-Gen Mahao was killed.SADC sent a mission in the Kingdom of Lesotho known as SADC Preventive Mission in the Kingdom of Lesotho(SAPMIL).SADC also tasked the Oversight Committee to act as an early warning system and to help with constitutional and security sector reforms.President Edgar Lungu in his capacity as SADC Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, recently appointed Justice(Rtd) Mathew Ngulube as Chairperson of the SADC Chairperson of the Oversight Committee.President Lungu also appointed Gen. Bishop. Dr. Timothy Jim Kazembe as Head of the SADC Preventive Mission to the Kingdom of Lesotho(SAPMIL).The two have taken over offices from Angola at an official ceremony held on Wednesday in Maseru, Lesotho.The two will help President Lungu oversee the implementation of the Reform Roadmap for Lesotho.A second ceremony will be held on Thursday for Gen Kazembe who will take over as Head of the military component of SAPMIL.Wednesday’s induction ceremony was also witnessed by SADC Director Jorge Cardoso, Permanent Secretary Dr. Chileshe Mulenga, Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Emmanuel Mwamba, Army Commander Lemt-Gen, Paul Mihova, Head of SAPCO, and Inspector General of Police, Kakoma Kanganja.Justice Mathew Ngulube is a retired Chief Justice of Zambia and has wide experience in constitutional and electoral issues. He has also served on various African Union and Commonwealth missions.Gen Kazembe (rtd) served at Ministry of Defence since 1971. Post Views: 96