22 May 2022

Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) is de-escalating into a peace keeping mission.

SAMIM deputy force commander, Brigadier Simon Barwabatsile explained in an interview on the sidelines of a visit to Cabo Delgado in Mozambique by Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane recently.

“We have currently set time frame for transition up to July 15” he said, adding that the mission was transition-phased.

Brigadier Barwabatsile said the dates however, did not mean the mission would not transition earlier, should the requirements be met.

He stated that the transition phase allowed for configuring the forces in a manner that they could be effective within peace keeping mission as it was multi-dimensional and included among others the military, police, civilian personnel of different expertise and other mission support.

He said some SADC member states had already pledged the police and civilians, even though the pledged numbers did not meet the required threshold.

Brigadier Barwabatsile clarified that the SAMIM would continue to provide any security that was key for the safety of the Cabo Delgado people.

“We are fighting a different type of war, we are fighting terrorism and it needs patience,” he added and further said that they were confident of victory despite some challenges faced by the mission some of which included failure by some member states to provide all the necessary requirements though such would not deter the mission as others continued pledging.

Brigadier Barwabatsile said the SADC rapid deployment of military in Mozambique was not intended to be permanent, but to bring the situation under control.

He said the peace keeping mission would allow for humanitarian assistance, adding that communities livelihood were affected.

“They really need assistance, not only military but all dimensions,” he said.

The SAMIM troops are working alongside a contingent from Rwanda.

According to SAMIM head and SADC special representative ambassador Prof. Mpho Molomo, SAMIM was ready to work with other countries.

“SADC is always ready to work with other African countries so that Africans can find solutions to Africa’s problems,” he said.

The SAMIM mission was deployed in Cabo Delgado July last year with troops from Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. ENDS