Cyril Ramaphosa assumes SADC chairmanship amid migration tensions

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) during the 46th Ordinary Summit in Durban. Taking over from Zimbabwe's Emmerson Mnangagwa, Ramaphosa pledged to prioritize regional economic integration, industrialization, and the implementation of the SADC Vision 2050.

The summit took place amidst significant domestic tension regarding migration. Recent waves of anti-migrant protests and xenophobic violence in South Africa have reportedly led to the departure of approximately 176,000 foreign nationals, primarily from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi. Ramaphosa addressed these challenges, expressing regret over the situation and calling for regional cooperation to manage migration.

During the proceedings, the March and March Movement, led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, staged a protest near the summit venue. The group demanded that regional leaders take responsibility for their citizens living illegally in South Africa. Ngobese-Zuma criticized the South African government, accusing leaders of prioritizing foreign interests over those of South African citizens.

In addition to migration discussions, the summit saw progress on a common tourist visa for SADC members and reaffirmed solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding peace and security efforts.