SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Co-Operation: discussion

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International Relations

21 May 2003
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Meeting report

FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
21 May 2003
SADC PROTOCOL ON POLITICS, DEFENCE AND SECURITY CO-OPERATION: DISCUSSION

Chairperson: Dr ZP Jordan

Documents handed out:
Explanatory Memorandum: SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation
SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation

SUMMARY
In principle Members supported ratifying the Protocol. However, they want the Department of Foreign Affairs to clarify on certain issues before they could ratify the Protocol. For instance, they requested feedback on the implementation of Protocols. Department to address the relationship between the AU and SADC protocols.

MINUTES
The Committee met in order to discuss the finalisation and ratification of the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation. However, Members had outstanding issues that needed to be resolved before they could discuss whether or not to ratify the Protocol.

A Member asked how the Protocol would deal with the absolute monarchy of Swaziland. Since the Department of Foreign Affairs was not present, the Chairperson responded and said that there is a political process evolving in Swaziland which would lead into the establishment of a constitutional dispensation.

Advocate ZL Madasa (ACDP) asked if there was room for ratifying the Protocol while noting the Committee's concerns that will need to be addressed.

Ms F Hajaij (ANC) said that the Committee has ratified a number of Protocols in the past wherein exceptions were made. She therefore suggested that if the Committee decides to ratify the Protocol, it should do so adding a list a concerns that it has.

Ms Hajaij raised a concern with regard to the lack of feedback from the Department on progress with the implementation of Protocols. She suggested that the Department should meet the Committee to brief them on implementation of the various Protocols.

Mr CW Eglin (DA) raised a concern with the compatibility of the SADC and AU protocols. He asked how they are integrated.

A Member felt that the SADC protocol is a duplication of the AU protocol. He asked who would be the main actor between the SADC countries and AU members in case a conflict broke out in one of the SADC countries.

Dr Jordan said that so far there is no evidence of incompatibility.

Mr Sithole said that regions build up the AU. He indicated that it is not a problem for regions to establish their own organs and that regions remain under the AU. Since both Protocols subscribe to the UN charter, the resolution of any problem that arises would be guided by how the Protocols relate to the UN Charter.

A Member raised a concern with regard to the duration of the term of the chair of the organ. She felt that a one-year term is too short and does not work as it has proven in the past.

Mr Sithole drew the Member's attention to the fact that even the duration of the term of the AU chair is one year. This is necessary to avoid a situation where a chairperson becomes a traditional leader of an institution.

A Member felt that there was a need to invite the Department to address the relationship between the AU and SADC protocols. He was of the view that this would help identify gaps and guide Members on whether to ratify the Protocol. Mr Eglin agreed with the Member. He also had a feeling that there are very complicated issues raised in the Protocol which need to be clarified by the Department.

Members agreed with the Chairperson's conclusion that in principle they are in favour of ratifying the Protocol but first need the Department to address some of their questions.

The meeting was adjourned.

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