17 May 2022

SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM)deployment testifies to the critical role played by security in development. 

According to Ambassador Prof Mpho Molomo, security is a tangible and intangible resource that can not be neglected. 

Prof Molomo, who is head of SAMIM, was briefing Vice President  Slumber Tsogwane in Pemba, Mozambique on Monday.

“The lessons from Cabo Delgado are that there can be no development without security and this is applicable to the entire Southern African region,” he said. 

Ambassador Molomo said terrorism activities in Mozambique was evidence of  rising acts of violent extremism in Africa which contributed to national and regional conflicts. 

He said SADC intervention reaffirmed the regional body’s commitment to secure Mozambique’s sovereignty and territorial integrity through collective security. 

Prof Molomo said allowing terrorist activities to fester could result in their spreading throughout the country and spilling over to the region. 

Therefore, he said, the region must remain vigilant and steadfast in preventing and fight terrorism. 

Assuring his audience that people were treated in a humane manner, Prof Molomo said in discharging its assignment in Mozambique, SADC remained committed to the values enshrined in the UN charter on upholding human rights and dignity.

  “I wish to assure you that as a mission we strive to uphold these universal ideals as we execute our mandate,” he said. 

He informed the Botswana delegation that SAMIM was working with the Mozambican government in partnership with international cooperating partners involved in stabilization, reconstruction and offering humanitarian assistance to the people of Cabo Delgado. 

Prof Molomo commended Botswana for its role in SAMIM adding that Vice President Tsogwane’s visit was an important milestone. 

The vice president’s delegation  includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape, Minister of Defence and Security Mr Kagiso Mmusi, MPs, senior government officials and Real Alternative Party leader, Mr Gaontebale Mokgosi. 

The delegation is expected to return home today.ends