13 Apr 2022

The SADC Mission In Mozambique (SAMIM), a regional troop operation deployed to assist in combating terrorism in the country’s northern region, has been hailed for helping to bring stability there.

Both President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and his Mozambique counterpart, Mr Felipe Nyusi were full of praise for the mission during introductory remarks ahead of their official meeting at Office of the President yesterday.

Made up of troops from Botswana and other SADC states, SAMIM was deployed in July 2021 to fight the insurgency in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgardo region.

Dr Masisi also paid tribute to SAMIM soldiers who died during their tour of duty.

President Nyusi singled out for praise the Botswana Defence Force SAMIM troops saying they exhibited professionalism and for what he called their crucial presence in Medumbi, Cabo Delgado, an area which needed much attention.

He said Botswana troops had rendered important service in an area where ordinary people had been internally displaced and robbed of normalcy. 

Describing relations between Botswana and Mozambique as ‘rock solid’, President Masisi said the two governments had pledged to work closely in approaching regional, continental and global issues through the framework of international multilateral organisations.

He also spoke about plans to relocate close to 1 000 elephants from Botswana to Mozambique. Ends