Upholding rule of law emphasised

WINDHOEK – The South African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State meeting in Mauritius ended with strong emphasis being placed on the need to strengthen young democracies, establish sound economic policies, uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights.

International reports highlighted that the first day of the summit witnessed the handover of leadership from Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa to Paul Berenger, the Mauritian Prime Minister. Botswana’s Festus Mogae was elected as the organisation’s Deputy Chair.At the end, member states were urged to be aware that economic growth and poverty reduction were all linked to good governance and political stability, according to www.sabcnews.com The summit adopted guidelines aimed at enhancing the transparency and the credibility for the democratic elections.The meeting also noted that the HIV-AIDS pandemic in the region had reached crisis proportions.It further emphasised the importance of nutrition and traditional medicine in addressing health challenges.The summit said Swaziland’s constitution drafting process would be completed by the end of the year, adding that that nation’s government was committed to transformation.On the gender issue, it urged member states to use upcoming elections to achieve a 30 per cent minimum representation for women.The new Chair, Berenger, who undertook to restructure the organisation, officially closed the summit.- NampaBotswana’s Festus Mogae was elected as the organisation’s Deputy Chair.At the end, member states were urged to be aware that economic growth and poverty reduction were all linked to good governance and political stability, according to www.sabcnews.com The summit adopted guidelines aimed at enhancing the transparency and the credibility for the democratic elections.The meeting also noted that the HIV-AIDS pandemic in the region had reached crisis proportions.It further emphasised the importance of nutrition and traditional medicine in addressing health challenges.The summit said Swaziland’s constitution drafting process would be completed by the end of the year, adding that that nation’s government was committed to transformation.On the gender issue, it urged member states to use upcoming elections to achieve a 30 per cent minimum representation for women.The new Chair, Berenger, who undertook to restructure the organisation, officially closed the summit.- Nampa