REPORT OF THE 8^TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR POLICE FORCES OF THE SOUTHERN AFRICA REGION HELD IN MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE ON 4^TH SEPTEMBER 2003

A. INTRODUCTION:

The 8^th Annual General Meeting of Ministers responsible for Police affairs of the Southern Africa Region was held in Maputo, Mozambique on 4^th September, 2003. The meeting was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Mozambique His Excellency Joachim Alberto Chissano. The meeting of Ministers was preceded by the meeting of Police Chiefs of the Southern Africa region held from 1^st to 3^rd September, 2003 and was officially opened by the Prime Minister of Mozambique hon. Dr. Pascoal Mocumbi.

B. OPENING SESSION:

In his opening speech President Chissano talked about various issues. as follows:-

He reiterated commitment made by the Heads of State and Government to do all they can in order to reinstate peace, stability and security in those countries where prevailing conflicts not only hinder development and construction of a prosperous future for their citizens, but also cause various problems to other countries.

He urged SARPCCO (Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs Coordination Organization) member countries to deepen the debate on the most appropriate measures to fight corruption. He said corruption does not only undermine the development of our countries, but also is used by organized crime syndicates who strive to paralyze the functioning of our Police institutions and the judiciary in order to achieve their interests. He called upon the police force to strengthen interaction with various institutions of the judiciary so as to improve their efficiency and justice delivery.

President Chissano also commended the positive operational results achieved by SARPCCO through the planning, coordination and the execution of joint operations, which resulted in the dismantling of organized crime groups in the region.

In his conclusion President Chissano called upon all participants and others to have a serious commitment in combating the HIV/AIDS scourge. He said the spread of HIV/AIDS poses a great threat to security and to the attainment of SADC Regional Integration objectives. He stressed for public awareness as the best way to foster behavioral change to the people.

C. ELECTION OF THE NEW CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON:

According to the constitution of SARPCCO the chairpersonship is for one year. As it is with other cooperation organizations, the host country provides the chairperson for that particular year. This is done for both meetings of the Ministers responsible for Police Affairs and the meetings of the Police Chiefs. The meeting of Ministers elected the Minister of Interior and State Minister for Defence and Security Affairs of the Republic of Mozambique Honourable Almerino Marcos Manhenje to be the Chairperson of the SARPCCO Council of Ministers for the coming year.

In his speech, the outgoing Chairperson, the Minister for Home Affairs of Zimbabwe, Honourable Kembo Mohadi expressed his profound gratitude to all members of SARPCCO for the full cooperation rendered to him during his tenure of office as SARPCCO Chairperson. He hoped his successor will continue to enjoy the same unwavering support from all member countries as it has been SARPCCO custom.

The incoming Chairperson Honourable Manhenje thanked the Ministers for electing him to the chair for the coming year. He called upon all members to give him full support in order for him to discharge his duties as expected.

During his tenure of office, the outgoing Chairperson Honourable Kembo Mohadi visited Tanzania from 29^th July 2003 to 3^rd August, 2003. He was accompanied by Zimbabwe Chief of Police, Commissioner Augustine Chihuri and two officials. While in Tanzania, among other things, he paid a courtesy call to the Prime Minister, Honourable Frederick Sumaye and participated in the inauguration ceremony of the Mkapa Bridge in Rufiji.

D. MATTERS DISCUSSED DURING THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING:

The Ministers responsible for Police Affairs discussed various matters of common concern and that of their cooperation. Among the matters discussed, the major ones included the following:

(i) Application Of Congo DRC To Join The Organisation:

The Democratic Republic of Congo applied in writing to be a member of SARPCCO. They had been told that their application will be discussed at the Maputo Annual General Meeting, and they were officially invited to participate in that meeting so that they would be present when their application will be discussed.

However, no one from Congo DRC showed up in the meeting. Nevertheless, the application was discussed and it was finally resolved that the Democratic Republic of Congo be contacted again by communicating to them the basic requirements and conditions for admission to SARPCCO. They be admitted once they confirm their acceptance of the same.

(ii) Opening Speech By President Chissano:

The Ministers responsible for Police Affairs commended the good opening speech by President Chissano and resolved to adopt it as a working tool. They upheld his call for more seriousness and commitment in combating the HIV/AID scourge.. The Ministers acknowledged that the disease is not only affecting local people, but has also penetrated into their Police Forces. Other countries have witnessed their long trained Police men and women being affected by HIV/AIDS. They called for sensitization to Police men and women to change their behaviors and protect themselves.

The Ministers also challenged each member country to find their own ways according to their own environment to fight corruption. They observed that corruption has for a great extent reduced the smooth operations of Police forces in the region. They called for joint efforts whenever necessary.

(iii) Fight Against All Forms Of Cross Boarder Crimes:

It was observed that all forms of cross boarder crimes such as drugs and arms trafficking, motor vehicle theft, stock theft, armed robbery, etc, continue to pose a challenge to our regional security . The members of the Council of Ministers agreed to continue to work together in fighting those menaces.

(iv) Fight Against Terrorism

The Ministers agreed to exchange information and experiences in the fight against terrorism.

After the Ministers completed discussions on the various issues on the agenda in the morning and afternoon sessions, the new Chairperson of SARPCCO, the Minister of Interior and Minister of State for Defence and Security of Mozambique, Honourable Manhenje thanked all Ministers for the fruitful deliberations. He challenged each member country to put into practice all that have been agreed upon. He wished all participants safe journey back home.

E. VENUE FOR THE 9^TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Ministers responsible for Police Affairs unanimously agreed that the 9^th Annual General Meeting be hosted by Tanzania and that it should preferably take place in Zanzibar on the dates to be announced later.

F. RESOLUTIONS

The Council of Ministers adopted the 13 resolutions presented to it by the Council of Police Chiefs. The resolutions full appear in

Appendix A.

G. PRESS STATEMENT

The Council of Ministers also adopted a press statement that is presented in this report as Appendix B.