The 44th Ordinary SADC Summit: A Missed Opportunity for Genuine Policy Commitment?
As the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government convenes in Harare, Zimbabwe on August 17, 2024, under the theme “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC,” there is a palpable sense of anticipation and expectation. The theme, with its optimistic focus on innovation and economic growth, encapsulates the aspirations of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to forge a path towards industrialization and prosperity. Yet, beneath the veneer of progress and unity, critical issues remain unaddressed, threatening to undermine the very objectives the Summit seeks to achieve.
Foremost among these issues is the glaring failure of SADC member states to sign and ratify the Malabo Protocol. It is a shame to note that all 16 SADC Member States namely, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, have not yet signed and ratified this significant continental instrument.
This Protocol, which aims to enhance the powers of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) by granting it legislative authority, has been languishing without the necessary political will for its enactment. The Malabo Protocol represents a crucial step towards empowering PAP to play a more substantive role in the legislative processes across the continent. By not committing to this Protocol, SADC countries are not only stalling the progress of the PAP but are also signaling a reluctance to embrace a more integrated and cooperative continental governance structure.
The SADC Summit, as the paramount policy-making institution of the Community, bears significant responsibility for this inertia. The Summit’s mandate is to provide overarching policy direction and ensure the effective functioning of the Community’s institutions. However, its failure to prioritize the Malabo Protocol highlights a broader issue of policy inconsistency and lack of commitment to regional integration.It is a shame that all 16 SADC Member States namely, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, have not yet ratified this continental instrument, yet attempt to create a semblance of regional unity.
The undermining of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is particularly egregious given its strategic location within SADC. Based in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, PAP’s presence was solidified under the leadership of H.E. Thabo Mbeki through a host-country agreement. The current President of PAP, H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, is a Zimbabwean senator, and the incoming Chairperson of the regional body is Zimbabwean President, H.E. CDE. Emmerson Mnangagwa. Additionally, Wamkele Mene, the head of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is also from South Africa. This proximity and shared leadership present untapped potential for cooperation between SADC and PAP. Leveraging this potential could enhance SADC’s participation in the African Union’s strategic objectives for the benefit of African citizens. However, the failure to sign and ratify the Malabo Protocol and capitalize on this opportunity betrays a disconnect and a failure to utilize PAP’s capabilities effectively.
The reluctance to ratify the Malabo Protocol suggests a deeper ambivalence towards genuine legislative empowerment and regional integration. It raises questions about the commitment of SADC leaders to the principles of accountability, transparency, and democratic governance. Without the legislative powers envisaged in the Protocol, PAP remains a largely consultative body, unable to enforce its resolutions or effect meaningful change.
As the 44th SADC Summit unfolds, it is imperative for member states to reflect on their commitment to regional integration and the empowerment of continental institutions. The theme of innovation and economic growth must be matched by a commitment to robust governance frameworks that can support sustainable development. This includes not only signing and ratifying the Malabo Protocol but also actively engaging with PAP to ensure its resolutions are implemented and its legislative agenda is advanced.
The future of SADC and its quest for industrialization hinge not just on economic policies but also on the strength and effectiveness of its governance institutions. By embracing the Malabo Protocol and empowering PAP, SADC can demonstrate a genuine commitment to the principles of regional integration and collective progress. This Summit must be a turning point, where rhetoric is matched by action, and where the promise of innovation is underpinned by a solid foundation of legislative and policy coherence.
The 44th Ordinary SADC Summit presents an opportunity to rectify past oversights and to chart a course towards a more integrated and empowered regional community. The failure to sign and ratify the Malabo Protocol is a critical oversight that undermines the potential of the Pan-African Parliament and the broader objectives of regional integration. It is time for SADC leaders to rise to the occasion, embrace their responsibilities, and commit to a future where innovation and governance go hand in hand for the prosperity of all.
