17 May 2022

The deployment of Botswana Defence Force (BDF)troops in Mozambique is good for both the region and the rest of Africa, says Vice President Slumber Tsogwane.

Addressing the BDF contingent based in Pemba, Mozambique yesterday, he said just like the rest of SADC, Botswana could not enjoy peace and stability while its neighbour, Mozambique was embroiled in turmoil. 

Mr Tsogwane told the soldiers that BDF deployment was therefore also good for their own country.

“As such, you are here among other nations not only to protect Botswana’s interests, but also to maintain regional security and promote peaceful coexistence,” he stated.

The vice president stated that SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) would achieve its aim of bringing peace and stability to the country as well as the region.

Mr Tsogwane said since deployment, SAMIM forces had made a lot of progress towards bringing peace and stability  to Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado region. 

SAMIM troops had received positive feedback for the good work they were doing, he said.

 The vice president said he was aware of the challenges faced by the contingent promising that they would be addressed.

Welcoming the vice president, Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi said the current contingent, Botswana’s second, comprised 359 personnel.

Just like the first, which had 310 troops, the contingent was responsible for helping provide Mozambique with regional support to combat terrorism and violent extremist, strengthening of peace and security and restoration of law and order.

He said BDF was working alongside Forcas Armadas de Defesa de Mocambique and other SADC forces as well as those from countries which had bilateral agreements with Mozambique. Mr Mmusi said the vice president’s visit was testimony to the support that the leadership, government and the people of Botswana continued to render to the troops in Mozambique.

He informed the BDF members that President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi had gifted them with eight cows for consumption during their stay. President Masisi was the architect of troops deployment in Mozambique in his capacity as the then SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chairperson. 

SAMIM was approved  on June 23, 2021. ends