SADC calls for anti-terror support for Mozambique

Harare, (New Ziana) – The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on Tuesday said the security situation in the region was “relatively stable”, but called on the bloc’s members to back Mozambique in its battle against an Islamic insurgency in some parts of the country.

The deteriorating security situation in Mozambique was the main subject of discussion as the Sadc Troika consisting of the leaders of Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia as well as Mozambique, on invitation,met for an extra-ordinary summit in Harare.

An insurgency, thought to be affiliated to the international terror group Islamic State, has been fighting government forces for over a year in northern Mozambique, and appears to be growing in strength.

In recent months, it has been reported to be expanding southwards,
prompting Maputo to appeal to SADC for assistance, and northern neighbour Tanzania to deploy forces along its southern border with Mozambique.

Tuesday’s meeting is a follow up of bilateral talks President Mnangagwa, who is chairman of SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, held with President Nyusi over the issue last month.

The insurgency, apart from causing instability in parts of Mozambique,
poses a serious danger to regional transport routes to Mozambique’s sea ports that landlocked countries like Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe depend on.

In a communiqué at the end of the meeting, the SADC Troika strongly
condemned the terror activities in Mozambique, falling just short of
calling for joint regional military action.

“The Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit plus Mozambique urged SADC Member States to support the government of Mozambique in fighting against the terrorists and armed groups in some districts of Cabo Delgado,” Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister,Sibusiso Moyo said, reading out the Troika’s communiqué.

The Sadc Troika lauded Mozambican President Felipe Nyusi for bringing the
matter to the attention of the regional body for assistance.

“The Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit plus Mozambique strongly
condemned the armed attacks and acts of sabotage perpetrated by the
terrorists and armed groups in some districts of Cabo Delgado
province,” Moyo said.
New Ziana