Crocodiletooth
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 28, 2012
- 18,649
- 20,988
Ladies and Gentlemen;
I feel greatly honoured and yet privileged to be
given this rare opportunity to address this
Assembly for the second time this morning.
Unlike the first time, this time around, I stand
before Your Excellencies when you have given
me a huge responsibility to chair this
Organization for the next one year. Allow me,
therefore, on behalf of the Government and
People of the United Republic of Tanzania, as
well as that of my own, to thank Your
Excellencies Heads of State and Government of
the SADC for the trust you have bestowed on
me. Indeed, being a Chair of this body is a great
honour not only to me personally but also to the
Government and people of Tanzania. I thank
you very much.
I know, this is not an easy job; it comes with
high expectations, however, with great sense of
humility, I humbly accept this responsibility. And
I have all the confidence that, with Your
Excellencies support and cooperation, I will be
able to live to your expectations and to the
expectations of the people of this sub-region.
And to be honest, I have no reason not to
believe that you will offer me all the needed
support during my tenure.
You have been doing so since my inauguration
as President of the United Republic of Tanzania
in November 2015. In this connection, this being
the first SADC Summit to attend, I would like to
take the advantage of this occasion to thank
Your Excellencies Heads of State and
Government of the SADC for all the support and
cooperation you have been extending to me
since I took over the leadership of my dear
country, Tanzania. I greatly appreciate your
support and cooperation; and it is my desire to
strengthen further these cooperation and
partnerships for the benefits of our Community
and all our Member States.
May I also seize this opportunity to reassure
Your Excellencies, and whoever had any cause
of doubt, that, Tanzania is fully committed to the
SADC; its vision, goals, principles and ideals.
Indeed, we always consider SADC as an integral
part of our future. This is why we have
continued to be an active member of SADC and
effectively participate in the implementation of
its various initiatives and programmes.
In short, I want to assure Your Excellencies that,
during my tenure as the President of this
country, the Tanzania that you very well know
will remain the same. Indeed, I promise to
follow the footsteps of all my predecessors, the
late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius
Kambarage Nyerere and Their Excellencies Ali
Hassan Mwinyi, Benjamin William Mkapa and
Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. I know it is not an easy
task, but I will try to the best of my ability; and
so God help me.
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Before I proceed with my address, I would like
to seize this opportunity to acknowledge the
exemplary leadership of our Community by the
Outgoing Chair of SADC, His Excellency
President Dr. Hage Geingob, during the past one
year. Indeed, as his Deputy, I must admit that, I
benefited from his huge experiences, which I
believe will help me for the new role I have just
assumed. I particularly wish to commend
Outgoing Chairperson for his dedication and
commitment on the issues of infrastructure
development and youth empowerment; as well
as for ensuring that SADC actively participated
and played its role in the efforts towards
reducing the effects of cyclone Idai and Kenneth
that had affected some SADC Member States. In
this connection, allow me, once again, to extend
my condolences and sympathy to all Member
States that were affected by these unfortunate
and tragic events.
I wish also to pay a glowing tribute to my
brother, His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa
Lungu of Zambia and the Outgoing Chairperson
of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and
Security Cooperation for his tireless efforts to
promote peace, stability and democracy in our
region. During his tenure, six Member States
held their elections peacefully: Comoro, DRC,
Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi and South Africa.
In this regard, I am sure you will all join me in
congratulating Their Excellencies Andry Rajoelina
of the Republic of Madagascar, Azali Assoumani
of the Union of Comoros, Cyril Ramaphosa of
the Republic of South Africa and Peter Mutharika
of the Republic of Malawi for the victories in
their respective countries. I wish also to
commend the Kingdom of Eswatini for holdig its
Parliametary election. But, in a very special way,
I salute my dear brother, His Excellency Felix
Tshekesedi, for emerging victorious in
democratic elections, which enabled a peaceful
transfer of power for the first time in DRC since
its independence in 1960. This is indeed another
testimony that democracy has continued to
grow and take roots in our sub-region.
At this juncture, I cannot fail to express my
appreciation to our Secretariat under the able
leadership of Madam Executive Secretary, Dr.
Stergomena Tax. During the preparations of this
Summit, I was able to experience the sterling job
this Secretariat has been doing to our region.
But, this is yet another clear testimony that
when women are given the opportunity, they
can perform a remarkable work. It is for this
reason also, we in Tanzania, decided in 2015 to
elect a woman, as our Vice-President, Her
Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan. And I am glad
that she has never failed us. Your Excellency
Madam the Vice-President may you please rise
up so that delegates can recognize you.
It is an open secret that since its inception, SADC
has recorded some important milestones; the
elimination of colonialism and apartheid rule
being the greatest of them all. But, in addition,
thanks to the efforts undertaken by this
Organization, peace and security, which forms
the cornerstone of our political and socio-
economic development, reign in most parts of
our region. Indeed, there is no more peaceful
and stable region on our continent than the
SADC region. I should also mention that since
the launching of the SADC Free Trade Area in
2008, intra-regional trade within the SADC
region has been growing steadily; from 16
percent of the regional GDP to 22 percent in
2018. It is also pleasing to note that a strong
democratic culture is now entrenched in our
region and peaceful changes have become the
norm.
These are indeed very important milestones.
Despite these achievemets, our region is still
confroted by many challenges. Yes, there are
still many challenges facing our region. Due to
time constraints, I will only highlight three of
them.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Just recently, I mentioned that our region is
peaceful and more stable than any other part of
this continent. This is not to say, however, that
our region is free from the conflicts. In some of
our countries, conflict situations still exist. In
addition, there are other security threats,
including international terrorism, organized
crimes, climate change, drought, flood, hunger,
diseases; that continue to face our region.
It is, therefore, imperative that we continue to
work together to address these challenges. This
is important because, as we all very well know,
peace and security are the most critical pre-
conditions for socio-economic development and
transformation. Hence, our countries must
continue to work hard to make sure that our
region is free from conflicts. In this regard, on
this matter of peace and security in our region, I
urge Your Excellencies that we should always be
encouraged by the wise words of one of the
greatest sons of this sub-continent, His
Excellency Robert Mugabe, former President of
Zimbabwe, who once said, and I quote: Never,
never, never must we give up when it comes to
the search for peace in any party of our region,
end of quote. As the Chair of the SADC for the
next one year, we pledge our commitment to
work with all the Member States in order to
ensure that peace and security prevail in our
region.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Putting peace and security issues aside, the
biggest challenge that, I see, currently
confronting our sub-region is that of economic
emancipation. In my welcome remarks I
mentioned that in transforming the SADCC with
double C into the SADC with single C in 1992,
the Leaders of this region had one key objective:
to use the political achievements to advance
socio-economic development and
transformation in our region. Needless to say, I
am sure I will be speaking on behalf of many
citizens in this region, that, this objective has not
been realized, and to be honest, if there are no
concerted efforts, it will take ages for this
objective to be realized. And I am not saying this
without evidences.
Last year, 2018, our region set a target of GDP
growth of 7.0 percent; but it grew by only 3.1
percent. This was below the continents average
growth of 3.5 percent; the Eastern African
region growth of 5.7 percent; the Northern
African region growth of 4.9 percent and th
I feel greatly honoured and yet privileged to be
given this rare opportunity to address this
Assembly for the second time this morning.
Unlike the first time, this time around, I stand
before Your Excellencies when you have given
me a huge responsibility to chair this
Organization for the next one year. Allow me,
therefore, on behalf of the Government and
People of the United Republic of Tanzania, as
well as that of my own, to thank Your
Excellencies Heads of State and Government of
the SADC for the trust you have bestowed on
me. Indeed, being a Chair of this body is a great
honour not only to me personally but also to the
Government and people of Tanzania. I thank
you very much.
I know, this is not an easy job; it comes with
high expectations, however, with great sense of
humility, I humbly accept this responsibility. And
I have all the confidence that, with Your
Excellencies support and cooperation, I will be
able to live to your expectations and to the
expectations of the people of this sub-region.
And to be honest, I have no reason not to
believe that you will offer me all the needed
support during my tenure.
You have been doing so since my inauguration
as President of the United Republic of Tanzania
in November 2015. In this connection, this being
the first SADC Summit to attend, I would like to
take the advantage of this occasion to thank
Your Excellencies Heads of State and
Government of the SADC for all the support and
cooperation you have been extending to me
since I took over the leadership of my dear
country, Tanzania. I greatly appreciate your
support and cooperation; and it is my desire to
strengthen further these cooperation and
partnerships for the benefits of our Community
and all our Member States.
May I also seize this opportunity to reassure
Your Excellencies, and whoever had any cause
of doubt, that, Tanzania is fully committed to the
SADC; its vision, goals, principles and ideals.
Indeed, we always consider SADC as an integral
part of our future. This is why we have
continued to be an active member of SADC and
effectively participate in the implementation of
its various initiatives and programmes.
In short, I want to assure Your Excellencies that,
during my tenure as the President of this
country, the Tanzania that you very well know
will remain the same. Indeed, I promise to
follow the footsteps of all my predecessors, the
late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius
Kambarage Nyerere and Their Excellencies Ali
Hassan Mwinyi, Benjamin William Mkapa and
Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. I know it is not an easy
task, but I will try to the best of my ability; and
so God help me.
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Before I proceed with my address, I would like
to seize this opportunity to acknowledge the
exemplary leadership of our Community by the
Outgoing Chair of SADC, His Excellency
President Dr. Hage Geingob, during the past one
year. Indeed, as his Deputy, I must admit that, I
benefited from his huge experiences, which I
believe will help me for the new role I have just
assumed. I particularly wish to commend
Outgoing Chairperson for his dedication and
commitment on the issues of infrastructure
development and youth empowerment; as well
as for ensuring that SADC actively participated
and played its role in the efforts towards
reducing the effects of cyclone Idai and Kenneth
that had affected some SADC Member States. In
this connection, allow me, once again, to extend
my condolences and sympathy to all Member
States that were affected by these unfortunate
and tragic events.
I wish also to pay a glowing tribute to my
brother, His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa
Lungu of Zambia and the Outgoing Chairperson
of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and
Security Cooperation for his tireless efforts to
promote peace, stability and democracy in our
region. During his tenure, six Member States
held their elections peacefully: Comoro, DRC,
Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi and South Africa.
In this regard, I am sure you will all join me in
congratulating Their Excellencies Andry Rajoelina
of the Republic of Madagascar, Azali Assoumani
of the Union of Comoros, Cyril Ramaphosa of
the Republic of South Africa and Peter Mutharika
of the Republic of Malawi for the victories in
their respective countries. I wish also to
commend the Kingdom of Eswatini for holdig its
Parliametary election. But, in a very special way,
I salute my dear brother, His Excellency Felix
Tshekesedi, for emerging victorious in
democratic elections, which enabled a peaceful
transfer of power for the first time in DRC since
its independence in 1960. This is indeed another
testimony that democracy has continued to
grow and take roots in our sub-region.
At this juncture, I cannot fail to express my
appreciation to our Secretariat under the able
leadership of Madam Executive Secretary, Dr.
Stergomena Tax. During the preparations of this
Summit, I was able to experience the sterling job
this Secretariat has been doing to our region.
But, this is yet another clear testimony that
when women are given the opportunity, they
can perform a remarkable work. It is for this
reason also, we in Tanzania, decided in 2015 to
elect a woman, as our Vice-President, Her
Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan. And I am glad
that she has never failed us. Your Excellency
Madam the Vice-President may you please rise
up so that delegates can recognize you.
It is an open secret that since its inception, SADC
has recorded some important milestones; the
elimination of colonialism and apartheid rule
being the greatest of them all. But, in addition,
thanks to the efforts undertaken by this
Organization, peace and security, which forms
the cornerstone of our political and socio-
economic development, reign in most parts of
our region. Indeed, there is no more peaceful
and stable region on our continent than the
SADC region. I should also mention that since
the launching of the SADC Free Trade Area in
2008, intra-regional trade within the SADC
region has been growing steadily; from 16
percent of the regional GDP to 22 percent in
2018. It is also pleasing to note that a strong
democratic culture is now entrenched in our
region and peaceful changes have become the
norm.
These are indeed very important milestones.
Despite these achievemets, our region is still
confroted by many challenges. Yes, there are
still many challenges facing our region. Due to
time constraints, I will only highlight three of
them.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Just recently, I mentioned that our region is
peaceful and more stable than any other part of
this continent. This is not to say, however, that
our region is free from the conflicts. In some of
our countries, conflict situations still exist. In
addition, there are other security threats,
including international terrorism, organized
crimes, climate change, drought, flood, hunger,
diseases; that continue to face our region.
It is, therefore, imperative that we continue to
work together to address these challenges. This
is important because, as we all very well know,
peace and security are the most critical pre-
conditions for socio-economic development and
transformation. Hence, our countries must
continue to work hard to make sure that our
region is free from conflicts. In this regard, on
this matter of peace and security in our region, I
urge Your Excellencies that we should always be
encouraged by the wise words of one of the
greatest sons of this sub-continent, His
Excellency Robert Mugabe, former President of
Zimbabwe, who once said, and I quote: Never,
never, never must we give up when it comes to
the search for peace in any party of our region,
end of quote. As the Chair of the SADC for the
next one year, we pledge our commitment to
work with all the Member States in order to
ensure that peace and security prevail in our
region.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Putting peace and security issues aside, the
biggest challenge that, I see, currently
confronting our sub-region is that of economic
emancipation. In my welcome remarks I
mentioned that in transforming the SADCC with
double C into the SADC with single C in 1992,
the Leaders of this region had one key objective:
to use the political achievements to advance
socio-economic development and
transformation in our region. Needless to say, I
am sure I will be speaking on behalf of many
citizens in this region, that, this objective has not
been realized, and to be honest, if there are no
concerted efforts, it will take ages for this
objective to be realized. And I am not saying this
without evidences.
Last year, 2018, our region set a target of GDP
growth of 7.0 percent; but it grew by only 3.1
percent. This was below the continents average
growth of 3.5 percent; the Eastern African
region growth of 5.7 percent; the Northern
African region growth of 4.9 percent and th
