Southern Africa Development Coordinating Conference and Its Security Implications
Abstract
Political independence to the nine black states in Southern Africa came in various forms. For countries like Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia the transition was fairly peaceful. In contrast, for Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, independence came through fierce bitter wars of liberation. However, despite these different paths to nationhood, all these nine states face a new challenge--which is nation building. The challenge now is one of consolidating political independence through the provision of goods and services for their citizens. In pursuit of these goals the nine states gathered together in Lusaka, April 1980, to form the Southern African Development Coordination Conference. The biggest challenge for this new grouping has been South Africa and its economic ties to the nine states. Various actions by South Africa towards its neighbors have clearly demonstrated the vulnerability of these nations as a result of these ties. The SADCC grouping has had to scale higher walls in the face of destabilization efforts by their giant neighbor. The success of the group's efforts holds the key to the strengthening of their political independence, improved welfare for citizens and peace within the region. It is for this purpose the SADCC member countries have increased their resolve to ensure achievement of their objectives in the face of great adversity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 03, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA208042
Entities
People
- Louis M. Fisher
Organizations
- United States Army War College