Southern African leaders are reviewing proposed terms of reference for a new SADC-USA Dialogue Forum, a move aimed at recalibrating strategic cooperation with the United States in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics and regional development priorities.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Angele Makombo N’tumba said the draft terms of reference (TORs) were developed in collaboration with the US Embassy in Botswana and are currently under review by SADC Member States.
“These TORs are still being considered by the Member States and we will revert to the US Department of State with the consolidated final comments,” N’tumba said during the inaugural SADC-USA Senior Officials Dialogue Forum held in Madagascar on Wednesday.
The senior officials meeting marked a milestone in efforts to formalise structured engagement between SADC and the US, with the idea of the forum having been on the cards since February 2022.
N’tumba said the forum presents an opportunity to reshape the partnership around “mutual trust, shared values and reciprocal benefit.”
She noted that while the Regional Development Objective Agreement has guided cooperation since 2013, the current global landscape demands a more responsive and strategic framework.
“The policy direction and operating model of the present US administration reflect a distinct shift in priorities,” N’tumba said.
“It is, therefore, important that through this dialogue, we establish practical ways to adapt to emerging realities and refocus our cooperation towards a more responsive and fruitful partnership that is founded on trust and mutual gain.”
US Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Melanie Higgins, welcomed the initiative, saying it offers a chance to align regional and US priorities amid global challenges such as food insecurity, energy access, and financing constraints.
JN/APA