12 Jan 2022

SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi has hailed the regional bloc’s decision to deploy troops to Mozambique’s Cabo Del Gado region where they continue to fight terrorism and acts of violent extremism as a noble and worthy cause.

Mr Magosi who was giving opening remarks at the the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Defence, Politics and Security meeting here Tuesday said while visiting Mozambique to familiarise himself with the situation, he was pleased to find good working relations between SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) troops and Mozambique security forces as well as the local community.

“I saw first hand, commitment of the troops to ensure peace and security, risking their own lives for a worthy cause,” Mr Magosi said.

However, he added that the SAMIM leadership had noted the need to improve certain elements of its operations, and he was hopeful that the Troika meeting and subsequent meeting of the SADC Council of Ministers and Extraordinary Summit would determine the mission’s next steps.

Troika Chair, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa however gave indication SADC was committed to strengthening SAMIM.

Mr Ramaphosa said while SAMIM had addressed the challenges posed by terrorism and violent extremism such as loss of life, destruction of property and displacement of people, SADC could not afford to let its guard down.

He said it had been necessary for the region to meet the terrorism and violent extremism threat with comparative response, but now further measures were needed to strengthen current operations and commitment to completely uproot it.

Mr Ramaphosa said their deliberations would be guided by the reports from the SAMIM administration.

He paid tribute to soldiers who died during the operation.

The Troika comprises outgoing chair, Botswana, incumbent chair South Africa and incoming chair Namibia; The three were joined by member countries that have contributed personnel to SAMIM. Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane led the Botswana delegation. Ends