The Role of the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation [OPDSC] in the maintenance of Peace and Security in the Southern African Development Community [SADC] Region : a case of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examme the role of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)'s Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation (OPDSC) in the maintenance of peace and security in SADC with special reference to the case of Zimbabwe. The study utilized the qualitative research methodology reliant on the use of secondary data. A wide range of sources from prominent research sites, publications, contributions by acclaimed researchers and people with credible expertise in the field, including review of documents such as published books, journals, thesis and internet sites provided invaluable information for analysis to enable inferences used to draw conclusions and make recommendations. The research study found that the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation has an important role to play as a mechanism of the regional organization entrusted by the United Nations and the African Union to deal with matters relating to the maintenance of peace and security in the SADC region. The Organ's effective role can be realized with more leverage over states, collective action by member states, objective and uniform implementation of policies and clearly defined strategies to deal with intra-state conflict in which states are at the centre.