Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Dennis Francis,
at the SADC Commemorative Event to Mark 23 March- the Southern Africa Liberation Day
22 March 2024
[As Delivered]
Your Excellency Zenon Ngay Mukongo, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Troika
Your Excellency Fatima Kyari Mohamed, Permanent Observer of the African Union
Mr. Mateus Pedro Luemba, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Angola
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honor to join you on this auspicious occasion of Southern Africa Liberation Day ¨C symbolizing the historic transformation of this region from a past rife with racial domination, injustice, liberation struggles and conflict, to a present marked by peace, prosperity, and high hopes for a brighter future.
The credit for this transformation belongs to the people of Southern Africa and their visionary leadership, who ¨C with unshakeable resolve and bravery ¨C fought against tyranny, colonialism and apartheid.
Today, we honor both the unsung heroes and heroines as well as veritable giants and towering figures of history ¨C such as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Sam Nujoma, Robert Mugabe, Eduardo Mondlane, Samora Machel and Agostinho Neto.
As we celebrate the milestones, and similarly draw inspiration from solemn chapters ¨C from the anti-apartheid movement that freed South Africa, to the successful liberation struggles in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe ¨C let us also recall that the journey remains unfinished.
For the greatest tribute we can pay to the sons and daughters of Southern Africa ¨C who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of liberation ¨C is to achieve their vision of justice, equality, and democracy across this vital region.
Excellencies,
All 16 Member States comprising SADC today are loyal members of the United Nations ¨C and the General Assembly, of which I am privileged to be President.
And all have demonstrated a laudable commitment ¨C not only to the principles and values enshrined in the United Nations Charter, but also towards promoting multilateralism broadly.
Among others, the SADC region¡¯s abiding faith to the promotion of durable peace includes the formulation and ratification of a SADC Mutual Defense Pact ¨C ensuring security cooperation in the event of external aggression.?
SADC continues to play a constructive role within the United Nations system in multiple areas ¨C ranging from peace and security to regional cooperation.
SADC¡¯s peace interventions in Lesotho, Madagascar and Mozambique serve as admirable examples of the role of regional bodies in conflict prevention and peaceful resolution of disputes ¨C while providing support to the strengthening of democratic processes and institutions.
Similarly, SADC’s contributions to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ-led peacekeeping missions, such as the deployment of troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is commendable and noteworthy.
At the continental level, SADC members have contributed to ensuring the alignment of the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union with the principles and values of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Charter.
Beyond this, SADC has demonstrated great leadership in tackling global challenges ¨C from climate change to the COVID-19 pandemic ¨C while working to advance gender equality, women’s empowerment, and youth development.
Excellencies,
Here at the United Nations, I am deeply encouraged by the strong linkages between the principles and objectives of SADC Member States and the priorities and themes I have set out during my Presidency of the 78th session of the General Assembly.
I note with satisfaction that Southern African Liberation Day itself celebrates the remarkable journey of the region towards peace ¨C which is one of my four watchwords and, indeed, a precondition to meeting all our other objectives.
As we grapple with the daunting task of restoring global peace and addressing the myriad of other challenges confronting us, I believe SADC¡¯s own hard-won experiences are an asset to revamping our multilateral system.
Similarly, the ongoing efforts in Southern Africa towards greater inclusivity complements my relentless advocacy for a more equal and representative world in terms of both gender equality and racial equality.
Moreover,? let us always recall that Southern Africa Liberation strove to create a more sustainable world ¨C mindful of our collective responsibilities towards both the people and our planet.
Be reassured that my commitment to these principles and priorities is unwavering ¨C and I am dedicated to collaborating with all Member States and other stakeholders to achieve our shared future of prosperity and sustainability.
Excellencies,
Let me conclude by emphasizing that we must use today ¨C and all days ¨C as an opportunity to remember and indeed to honor those who sacrificed and fought for freedom and democracy in Southern Africa ¨C and whose contributions continue to inspire billions across the world.
Let us recognize the progress that has been made ¨C from the defeat of apartheid to sustained economic development and regional integration.
And let us also acknowledge the challenges still ahead ¨C from the fight to end poverty and inequality to decisively rooting out any political instability and conflict, and championing strategies that permanently overcome the challenges confronting the region.
Let us all reaffirm our full solidarity and support for the peoples of Southern Africa in their ongoing efforts to consolidate peace, justice, and prosperity.
Together, let us build a world where peace, progress, prosperity and sustainability prevails not only in the SADC region, but everywhere else around the globe.
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I thank you.
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