Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Peya Mushelenga last Wednesday welcomed back a contingent from the security sector, who participated in the Namibia-Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in Cabo Delgado in Mozambique.
The SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) was deployed on 15 July 2021 to fight Islamic insurgents that have been present in the northern Cabo Delgado province since 2017.
The attacks at the time killed more than 2 500 people, and left over 700 000 displaced.
Welcoming the 18 members in Windhoek from the Namibian Police Force (NamPol), Namibian Defence Force (NDF), Namibian Central Intelligence Service (NCIS) and Namibian Correctional Service (NCS), Mushelenga said Namibia is an important player in contributing to the region’s efforts of maintaining peace and security.
He said the deployment was done in accordance with Article 6 of the SADC Mutual Defence Pact, which saw the deployment of 2 500 troops from Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
“The issue of regional peace and security remains a priority in our foreign policy. I am aware of the challenges that the contingent has gone through during the time spent in Mozambique. Despite challenges, Namibia is grateful that the contingent returned without a loss of life,” he noted.
Mushelenga highlighted the importance for the contingent to note that every strike and sacrifice is honoured with pride and appreciated, as it shows the strength and spirit of Namibia.
– Nampa