ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR – His Majesty the King has signed five SADC protocols that will boost efforts against cross-border crimes, including human trafficking, money laundering and extradition challenges.
The legal instruments signed are; the Anti-Trafficking Protocol; the Agreement Amending the Protocol on Extradition; the Agreement Amending the Protocol on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters; the Agreement Amending the Protocol on Finance and Investment; and the Agreement regarding the Status of SADC Standby Force.
They align with SADC’s broader goals of promoting peace, security and economic integrity across southern Africa.
“These instruments represent a pivotal step in enhancing collaboration among SADC member States to tackle shared challenges. By signing these documents, Eswatini reaffirms its dedication to regional integration and the well-being of our people,” said Senator Pholile Shakantu, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The signing took place during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government held here on Sunday.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, these protocols promise to strengthen the nation’s defences against transnational threats while fostering closer ties with neighbours.
The Anti-Trafficking Protocol will safeguard vulnerable groups such as migrants and youth by improving victim support and law enforcement, hopefully making it harder for traffickers to exploit porous borders, while reducing exploitation and advancing safer migration.
The ministry explained that the Agreement Amending the Protocol on Extradition streamlines the surrender of fugitives involved in serious crimes, deterring suspects from fleeing to adjacent States and strengthening domestic justice.
Meanwhile, the Agreement Amending the Protocol on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters equips Eswatini with faster access to evidence from other countries, aiding probes into drug trafficking and cybercrime.
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