The failure of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security (OPDS)

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Periodical article

Title:	The failure of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security (OPDS)
Author:	Likoti, F.J.
Year:	2006
Periodical:	Lesotho Law Journal: A Journal of Law and Development
Volume:	16
Issue:	1
Pages:	179-207
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Southern Africa
Subjects:	SADC regional security
Abstract:	On 28 June 1996, the Heads of State and Government of the SADC launched the protocol which established the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security (OPDS). This Organ was to mediate both intra-State and inter-State conflicts within the southern African region through peaceful means. While the OPDS has booked some achievements, it was not able to prevent military interventions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Lesotho by member countries claiming to be acting under the auspices of the SADC. The failure of the Organ was exacerbated by lack of political will, the absence of a unified strategy for ending conflicts and the attempt to end conflicts through unilateral intervention. Serious misconceptions within member States, notably Zimbabwe and South Africa, about the purpose and role of OPDS and its institutional relation with the SADC, stifled its performance. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]