SADC Concludes Anti-Terrorism Mission in Northern Mozambique
The Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) has officially ended its peacekeeping mission in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique.
This conclusion marks a significant milestone in the region’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
In 2021, the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed a 3,000-strong force to assist the Mozambican government in tackling terrorism and violent extremism.
The deployment aimed to bolster the Mozambican Defense and Security Forces’ efforts to restore peace and stability in the area.
At the closing event held in Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado province, Mozambican Defense Minister Cristovao Chume commended the SAMIM force for its substantial contribution.
“The operationalization of the SAMIM force has proved to be an enormous complement to the operations of the Mozambican Defense and Security Forces, offering greater robustness to the mission of pursuing and eliminating terrorists on the battlefield,” Chume stated.
The Defence Minister highlighted the significant progress made in combating terrorism, acknowledging the regional force’s crucial role in addressing the threat.
He described the mission as a testament to regional solidarity and an effective strategy for tackling African challenges.
Despite the mission’s success, Chume noted that some terrorists continue to operate in parts of Cabo Delgado, causing disruptions.
The region has experienced significant turmoil since 2017, when an armed insurgency rooted in socio-economic and political disparities began, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
Troops from Rwanda continue to patrol the region, ensuring that the progress made by SAMIM is maintained.
Source: A News
