Staff Reporter
President Hage Geingob yesterday participated in the SADC extraordinary troika summit that included countries that are contributing military personnel to the regional body’s mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
The troika summit, which was held online, assessed the progress achieved by SAMIM since the extension of its mandate at the summit in Lilongwe, Malawi, as well as formulated guidelines on the future of the mission. Personnel contributing countries to SAMIM are Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
According to the mission’s media statement released yesterday, the summit noted the progress of SAMIM as presented by the head of the SADC Mission in Mozambique and commended SAMIM leadership, including men and women on the ground, for their sacrifices and commitment to the fight against terrorist acts in some parts of Cabo Delgado Province.
The summit also approved the transition of SAMIM from Scenario 6, (Rapid Deployment Capability), to Scenario 5, (Multidimensional Force), with a robust mandate.
Similarly, the summit commended SAMIM personnel contributing countries for their continued support by pledging capabilities and personnel to enhance the effectiveness of SAMIM operations and urged member states to continue supporting the mission.
It also expressed its appreciation to the African Union (AU) and the International Cooperating Partners (ICPs) for their support towards the stabilization of the security situation as well as the socio-economic recovery and development of Cabo Delgado Province.
Furthermore, the meeting expressed solidarity with Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, and Tanzania for the demise of soldiers serving the mission and expressed words of comfort for those wounded in action.
The summit also commended Zimbabwe and Malawi for the spirit of solidarity expressed through the delivery of the pledged donation of foodstuffs in support of humanitarian assistance to the affected population of Cabo Delgado. The gathering directed the head of mission to coordinate with the Republic of Mozambique on the implementation of the comprehensive Integrated Reconstruction and Development Plan of Cabo Delgado.
It acknowledged the expression of gratitude by Mozambique president Filipe Nyusi for SADC’s continued support, collaboration, and cooperation towards the attainment of sustainable peace and security in the Cabo Delgado Province.
The gathering also commended South African President and chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, Cyril Ramaphosa for his leadership in steering the work of the organ in pursuit of lasting peace, security and stability in the SADC region.