The Protocol, Plan and Mutual Defence Pact

The Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, states that it is desirous to ensure that close cooperation on matters of politics, defence and security shall at all times promote the peaceful settlement of disputes by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or arbitration.

Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation provides for regional intervention in the case of intrastate conflict, but only for purposes of mediation, and does not provide for military assistance.

Article 3 of the Mutual Defence Pact 2003 states that: “State Parties shall, in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, settle any international dispute in which they may be involved, by peaceful means, in such a manner that regional and international peace, security and justice are enhanced.” Article 6 goes on to say that “An armed attack against a State Party shall be considered a threat to regional peace and security and such an attack shall be met with immediate collective action.”

By signing the Mutual Defence Pact, Member States agreed to:

SEEKING to promote peace, security, stability and well-being among our peoples;

DETERMINED to defend and safeguard the freedom of our peoples and their civilisation, as well as their individual liberties and the rule of law;

CONVINCED that close cooperation in matters of defence and security will be to the mutual benefit of our peoples;

HAVING RESOLVED to unite efforts towards collective self-defense and the preservation of peace and stability. (Source, SADC website)