Harare,(New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also chairperson of the Sadc Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, on Tuesday called for “joint action” among member states of the regional bloc to decisively deal with the growing threat of terrorism.
He was speaking as the leaders of Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia, who make up SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, and Mozambique began a meeting here on the deteriorating security situation in parts of Mozambique where an Islamic insurgency has wrecked havoc for more than a year.
The Sadc Organ is meeting to consider Mozambique’s request for
assistance against the insurgents, thought to be affiliates of the
Islamic State terror group.
Opening the meeting, President Mnangagwa said Sadc countries, as in
the past, must stand together to deal with the growing problem which
had potential to not only disturb peace but stunt growth and
development in the region.
“It is imperative that we once more stand shoulder to shoulder and confront this and other challenges we may face working together in unity. We will yet again overcome,” he said.
“Successfully preventing and combating terrorism requires renewed and
firm commitment from all Sadc member states. It also calls for enhanced joint action given the transnational nature of the terrorist groups.”
President Mnangagwa said the region strongly condemned all acts of
terrorism that had seen the killing and kidnapping of civilians and
destruction of infrastructure.
“Regions that previously did not perceive the seriousness of the threat or seemed immune to terrorism are being targeted by terrorists. The threat is now becoming increasing complex blaring boundaries between political, religious and ideological extremism and crime,” President Mnangagwa said.
“The modus operandi of the terrorist groups are intricate and elaborate.”
Mozambican President Felipe Nyusi is expected to update the Troika on the developments in Mozambique after which the meeting is expected to come up with a firm way forward on addressing the situation.
New Ziana
