Jump to navigation

Vol 41 No 1

Published 7th January 2000


Decision time

South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki will press for the adoption of a defence pact by the 14-strong Southern African Development Community. It will be presented as a 'reform package': ministers will be asked to sign a 'political, defence and security agreement' that will bolster stability and attract investment. Investors will know, according to South African Defence Minister Patrick Lekota, that they're protected by 'the collective might of SADC'. This pact will follow regional trade and economic protocols due to be ratified soon. It will also provide a framework for a multinational peacekeeping force in the region and even outside it. It may help to forestall conflicts between SADC states.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 1542 words.

End of preview

Subscribers: Log in now to read the complete article.

Account Holders: Log in now and use your Account Credit to buy this article. No Credit? Top up your Account now.


If you are logged in, but still cannot access the full text of this article, email customer services or telephone us on +44(0)1638 743633.