The Front Line States played a pivotal role in the liberation of Southern Africa. 1.3 To strengthen the existing cooperation, preserve independence, ensure regional development and integration, the region established the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) in 1980. 1.4 The need for peace and security, economic and social development through regional integration culminated in the birth of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 1992. 1.5 Recognising the need for establishing a climate conducive to social and economic development in the region, SADC has been undertaking various actions aimed at contributing to the maintenance and consolidation of peace and security. It has, in particular, structured itself in a manner designed to make its efforts to preserve peace and security more effective. 1.6 Member States are demonstrating the political will to cooperate in political, defence and security matters and this has created an enabling environment for peace, security and stability in the region through the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts within and between states. However, the region still faces potential and actual military threats that include inter alia, armed conflicts in some Member States, unfinished demobilisation, disarmament, reintegration and monitoring of former military personnel, terrorism and the prevalence of landmines. 1.7 The Summit of Heads of State and Government held on the 28th June 1996, in Gaborone, Botswana, established the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation. 10