The Chairperson of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa, acknowledges the significant progress made since the deployment of the SADC Mission in Mozambique.
However, Nandi-Ndaitwah says that there is still more work to be done to fully restore peace and stability in the northern part of Mozambique.
"We are confronted by vicious terrorists waging war against our fellow citizens in the northern parts of the Republic of Mozambique. In testimony to our cherished values for collective regional peace and solidarity and in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who have suffered the brutality of these acts of terrorism and violent extremism. It was for this reason that we deployed the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) to neutralise the terrorists and restore livelihoods and state authority in the province of Cabo Delgado. Significant progress has been achieved in this regard, but our resolve in this fight must be steadfast to consolidate these achievements. While our efforts in the Republic of Mozambique are on-going, I wish to express our gratitude to all Member States that have deployed both personnel and equipment in this regard and also request that those that have pledged capabilities deploy them to the area of operations."
During the opening of the extraordinary session of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ in Windhoek, Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that the meeting would also address the financial status of the SADC Mission in Mozambique.
She highlighted the importance of discussing the financial aspects of the regional intervention to ensure the sustained operational effectiveness of the SAMIM troops.
The SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, emphasised the urgent need for member states to fulfill their financial commitments to the regional peacekeeping mission.Africa failed to enhance unity and political integration- Kalomoh.
Magosi expressed concern that the cash flow available for the mission is nearly depleted and may not be sufficient to sustain the mission's operations for an extended period.