SADC determined to find solution to Mozambique crisis

THE Cabo Delgado Province in northern Mozambique might sound and seem to be a far away place for some people in southern Africa. However, acts of increased extremism and terrorism in that province in the last few years is a great concern for citizens in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Apart from the possibility of spreading to neighbouring countries if not properly addressed, the insurgency has the capacity to destabilise Mozambique, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of property.

Furthermore, the longer it takes to resolve the issue in northern Mozambique, the more complex the crisis will become for SADC and the more difficult it will be to find a solution.

According to the United Nations, more than 670 000 people have been displaced in Mozambique since the beginning of the insurgency in 2017.

On March 24 alone, when the terrorist attacks targeted the town of Palma, media reports claimed that 55 people were killed and several buildings destroyed. Various groups including those with Islamic fundamentalism, especially a group known as Ahlu Sunna Wa-Jama have claimed responsibility for some of these attacks.

In cognisant of this and its implications on regional peace, SADC is determined to find lasting solutions to addressing the challenges in northern Mozambique.

Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana said the continued acts of extremism and terrorism in northern Mozambique are an affront to peace and security, not only in Mozambique, but also in the region.

This is in light of the fact that terrorism is very cancerous in nature, and once it finds fertile ground, it can quickly spreads out to other parts of the region.

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