Since the deployment of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique in July last year, the mission has significantly facilitated the liberation of territories from the hands of terrorists.

The Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council for November, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, shared this during a virtual meeting of the SADC Ministers on the Peace and Security Council.

The virtual meeting deliberated on the security situation in the province of Cabo Delgado, which has come under frequent violent attacks by local armed groups since 2017.

These attacks have, to date, resulted in over 4,000 deaths and one million people displaced, along with the immense destruction of livelihoods, property, and infrastructure.

"Given the continuing threat of the terrorist group in Cabo Delgado and the scale of the crisis it has caused, it is our conviction that we need to strengthen SAMIM's capabilities. Of particular importance in this regard is the need to address the financial and logistical shortfalls, which can undermine the effective execution by SAMIM of its mandate.This is not the time to allow these gaps, which could threaten and reverse the gains made thus far."

Member states contributed troops and personnel, while the African Union facilitated financial support and equipment. In addition, the European Union made available €1.9 million towards the peace mission.

"Since its deployment, SAMIM, working along with Mozambique's army, has significantly contributed to the facilitation of the liberation of territories in the hands of the terrorist group and the degrading of the threat posed by the group. For this, Namibia wishes to extend its appreciation to the member states that contributed troops and personnel to SAMIM and for the cooperation extended to SAMIM by the government of Mozambique."

The virtual session is aimed at contributing meaningfully to address various policy issues of concern and to ensure the success of SAMIM's mission in close collaboration with the African Union.

Attending the sessions were SADC ministers and members of the AU Peace and Security Council.