Former President Armando Guebuza stated this Thursday (2), in Maputo, that the current crisis in South Africa—marked by tensions involving foreign nationals—constitutes “turbulence” in the Southern African region, arguing that the response lies in strengthening unity and integration among the member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Guebuza was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the opening of the 25th Annual SADC Conference, organized by the Mozambican Bar Association, which is taking place July 2–3 in Maputo.
When asked about the situation facing African citizens in South Africa and the impact of these events on regional integration, the former head of state used the metaphor of a journey to argue that current challenges should not divert the region’s countries from their common goals.
“I gave the example of someone flying in an airplane who encounters a moment of turbulence. Does that mean they won’t reach their destination? We are experiencing a moment of turbulence within SADC, within our region, but this turbulence will strengthen our conviction that the only path we have is to keep moving forward,” he said.
According to Guebuza, the current situation should serve to strengthen regional cooperation, not to weaken the integration process initiated by the states of Southern Africa. “We are in a crisis; there is turmoil—it happens somewhere, and in this case, it is in South Africa. We will find ways, through our institutions, to resolve this,” he stated.
The former president added that the very fact that the conference is taking place demonstrates that unity remains one of the pillars of the regional organization. “The fact that we are holding this meeting here—a gathering of lawyers—despite the turmoil, yet the organization appears united, shows that our defining and constant factor is unity,” he said.
When asked whether creating more jobs could help reduce migration flows in the region, Guebuza replied that employment is only one of the factors, arguing that regional problems require a broader approach. “Relationships between countries involve many other factors that go beyond employment. If we all have common goals, common agendas, and work in accordance with that agenda, that is what will solve the problems,” he stated.
During the question-and-answer session with journalists, Guebuza also emphasized that challenges between countries will never completely disappear, but they can be overcome through cooperation. “That is precisely why I say that, by working together on this shared agenda, issues will be resolved. But they will not be over, because we will always face challenges ahead. Turbulence is a constant throughout our lives,” he said.
At the end of the interview, he reiterated his support for strengthening regional integration and expressed confidence in SADC’s ability to address current challenges. “Obviously, we don’t want this ‘turbulence’ to exist. It is obvious that I support SADC’s positions and that SADC should move toward greater cohesion and greater integration. We are facing turbulence. We will combat this turbulence,” he concluded.
The 25th Annual SADC Conference, organized by the Mozambican Bar Association, brings together judges, lawyers, academics, and experts from the region to discuss the legal, economic, and social challenges facing Southern Africa, with a focus on strengthening the rule of law and regional integration.
Source: Diário Económico
