Eswatini has taken on a new regional responsibility after being elected to chair the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, placing the kingdom at the centre of the regional bloc’s political and security coordination.

Eswatini assumed the chairship on 17 August 2026 following a decision by the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. The role covers regional cooperation on political, defence and security matters.

On September 8, SADC Secretariat Organ Director Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane paid a courtesy call on Eswatini Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Senator Pholile Shakantu, who also chairs the SADC Organ’s Ministerial Committee.

The visit formed part of a SADC Secretariat briefing mission to Eswatini, with officials discussing the kingdom’s responsibilities as chair of the regional organ.

The new regional role gives Eswatini an expanded platform in SADC political and security affairs, with the Secretariat expected to support coordination during the country’s tenure.