Summit extends SADC Mission in Mozambique
Presidents extol SAMIM’s ‘ exceptional performance’
The Extraordinary Summit of the Organ Troika of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community ( SADC) plus the Republic of Mozambique has approved the extension of the SADC Mission in Mozambique ( SAMIM).
The heads of state and government approved SAMIM to continue with offensive operations against terrorists and violent extremists to consolidate stability of security and create a conducive environment for resettlement of the population and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations and sustainable development.
SAMIM was due to end on October 15, but Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, Mokgweetsi
Masisi of Botswana and Hage Geingob of Namibia met in Pretoria this week to assess its progress so far. They said its achievements had been “remarkable” and decided to extend its deployment beyond the initial three months, without putting a new time limit on the mission. The Mozambique mission was formally launched in August 9th this year. President Ramaphosa is incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, while President Masisi is Outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Botswana has deployed 296 troops to Mozambique to join soldiers from the SADC region after regional leaders agreed in June this year to respond with proportionate force to the terrorists in the Cabo Delgado region who have left a trail of bloodshed and wrecked the country’s economy. The Summit held on Tuesday this week in South Africa urged Member States, in collaboration with humanitarian agencies, to continue providing humanitarian relief to the population affected by the terrorist attacks, including the internally displaced persons. The Summit was officially opened by Ramaphosa. In attendance also were members of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ ( MCO) Troika, the SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi and Head of the SADC Mission to Mozambique, Major General Xolani Mankayi. The Summit considered the progress report of the Regional Coordination Mechanism on the operations of SAMIM, and commended the SAMIM leadership and their troops for the remarkable achievements made since the deployment of the Mission in July, 2021. “Summit commended Member States that have contributed personnel, equipment and financial resources for the deployment of the SAMIM in support of Mozambique to combat acts of terrorism and violent extremism. “Summit expressed deep condolences to the families and Governments of Botswana and Tanzania for the loss of three soldiers who were serving under the SAMIM. “Summit expressed unwavering commitment to continue supporting Mozambique in achieving peace and security in some districts of the central and northern Cabo Delgado province. “Summit also acknowledged the expression of gratitude by Mozambique for the region’s contribution in support to fight terrorism,” the communiqué says.