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Compilation of documents or texts adopted and used by various intergovernmental, international, regional and subregional organizations aimed at promoting and consolidating democracy


The SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) (Excerpts)

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CHAPTER 1: THE SADC FRAMEWORK FOR INTEGRATION

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1.2 THE SADC VISION AND MISSION

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1.2.2 Mission

The RISDP is also underpinned by the SADC mission statement. From the 1992 Declaration and the Report on the Review of the Operations of SADC Institutions, particularly from the objectives and strategies spelt out in Article 5 of the Treaty, the SADC Mission Statement is: "To promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development through efficient productive systems, deeper co-operation and integration, good governance, and durable peace and security, so that the region emerges as a competitive and effective player in international relations and the world economy".

The pursuit of this mission is guided by the following principles, which are stated in Article 4 of the SADC Treaty:

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3. human rights, democracy, and the rule of law;

1.3 THE SADC COMMON AGENDA

The SADC Common Agenda is spelt out in Article 5 of the Treaty as amended, as well as in the Report on The Review of Operations of SADC Institutions and consists of the policies and strategies of the organisation. The policies of SADC are to:

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•  - promote common political values, systems and other shared values which are transmitted through institutions which are democratic, legitimate, and effective;

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•  - consolidate, defend and maintain democracy, peace, security and stability.

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1.5 KEY INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT ENABLERS

1.5.1 Peace, Security, Democracy and Good Political Governance

SADC Member States are committed to "promote common political values, systems and other shared values which are transmitted through institutions that are democratic, legitimate, and effective" (SADC Treaty Article 5).

In line with this, SADC firmly acknowledges that economic growth and development will not be realised in conditions of political intolerance, the absence of the rule of law, corruption, civil strife and war. SADC Member States are cognisant of the fact that poverty thrives under such conditions, nurturing further political instability and conflict, creating a destructive repetitive cycle, which perpetuates under-development and extreme deprivation.

SADC Member States are also committed to the ideals of the AU and the NEPAD programme which identifies democracy and political governance, including peace and security, conflict management, post-conflict reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction, and the combating of illicit trafficking in arms and related materials, as essential prerequisites for achieving sustainable development. This is consistent with the approach in the RISDP, which has however added trafficking in drugs and human beings to this list.

In the SADC context, NEPAD is embraced as a credible and relevant continental framework, and this RISDP as a regional expression and vehicle towards the ideals contained therein. Therefore, in view of the fact that NEPAD has already set out the required actions, and that SADC is in the process of elaborating strategies and programmes through the Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security, these will not be repeated in this RISDP.

 

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