10 Jul 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has expressed  gratitude to the combatants involved in the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) exercise in Cabo Delgado.

Speaking to journalists following official talks with Mozambique President, Mr Filipe Nyusi, at the start of his three-day-state visit  yesterday,  Dr Masisi commended the sacrifices made by the combatants, saying their efforts were crucial for peacekeeping.

Acknowledging the significant contributions from troops of various countries, President Masisi highlighted the importance of recognising their dedicated service and pledged support for   Mozambique in maintaining stability.

“Their sacrifices are immeasurable and cannot be equated to anything. In particular, I wish to convey a message of salutation to all our fallen heroes irrespective of their country of origin.  I want to make it known to all and sundry that their lives were not lost in vain,” he said.

President Masisi said troops from different countries would be appreciated by their countries, following the end of peacekeeping mission as most forces had been withdrawn.

He also applauded the countries which participated in the exercise for sacrificing human and capital  resources to secure peace in Mozambique.

Dr Masisi also pledged to attend activities marking the end of SAMIM, saying the exit  should be made memorable.

On other issues, the President said the visit also aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties between Botswana and Mozambique, with both leaders expressing their commitment to cooperation and mutual support.

He said legal instruments signed during the visit were meant to facilitate favourable working conditions with Mozambique.

The President also commended Mr Nyusi for respecting presidential term limit as his tenure comes to an end in October this year.

“Botswana applauds Nyusi for his commitment to vacate office peacefully,” he said.

President Nyusi, in turn, appreciated President Masisi’s leadership within the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security and the collaborative efforts that led to progress in restoring peace in Mozambique.

As efforts to stabilise the situation in Cabo Delgado continue, Mr Nyusi  highlighted the value of peace and the need for international support in maintaining security in the region.

Mr Nyusi said situation in Cabo Delgado was beginning to stabilise as displaced communities had started returning to their places of origin and that some efforts were being made for resumption of economic activities.

He said although terrorism was not yet over, it was about time to withdraw the combatants and that President Masisi would give a detailed report to the countries that  participated in SAMIM  exercise.

President Nyusi said their discussions included plans for the upcoming SAMIM exercise meeting scheduled for Harare in August.

He said President Masisi’s visit highlighted the importance of learning from Botswana’s expertise, particularly in agriculture and livestock medicines through the Botswana Vaccine Institute.

The visit underscored the shared goals of Botswana and Mozambique and their commitment to working together towards common objectives as outlined in the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation. ENDS