SADC Leaders Pledge Continued Fight Against Insurgents in Mozambique and The Whole Region

Eswatini Daily News
By: Nomzamo Jiyane
13 January 2022

The summit of SADC Heads of State has ended in Malawi with a pledge from member states to continue fighting Insurgents in Mozambique and the rest of the Region. SADC sent troops to Mozambique last year after the Islamist radicals began terrorizing residents from northern Cabo Delgado Province. Southern African leaders say they have made progress in fighting the Insurgents, but security experts note there are still challenges and dialogue should be an option.

Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini represented His Majesty King Mswati III at the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Governments. The Summit took place in Malawi Lilongwe at Bingu International Convention Centre. Also present in the Summit the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa who is also the Chairperson of SADC Organ on Politics, Defense, Security and Cooperation .In his remarks Ramaphosa said, the situation in Cabo Delgado Province has now improved. He said the return of internally displaced people to their home areas and provision of humanitarian assistance to the affected families is important.

The Summit convened by Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, it’s top agenda was terrorism and violent extremism which has been a concern to leaders within the region because it has potential to destabilize the economy in the region.

In his closing remarks of the Summit on Wednesday President Chakwera said the summit confirmed the commitment SADC Leaders have been made to ensure that the region remains peaceful, stable and secure. He said the summit provided an opportunity to review the mandate of the SADC Mission in Mozambique in combating terrorism and acts of violent extremism.

“Today we have taken a bold and decisive step to extend the mission in Mozambique so that we are able to consolidate and sustain the gains we have made thus far”, Chakwera said. “Until victory and peace is secured, we will not relent, we will not regress and we will not retreat”.