Staff Reporter
THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) held the Extraordinary Summit of the Organ Troika attended by Heads of State and Government where matters pertaining to peace and security in the region were discussed.
The summit was held virtually on 12 April 2022 and officially opened and chaired by Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The meeting was also attended by President Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia and Incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Also in attendance were heads of state from Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia.
In their discussions, the summit noted the progress of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), and commended the 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 surge in violence in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province has displaced thousands of people already affected by five years of conflict.
In their discussions, the SADC leaders approved the transition of SAMIM from Scenario 6, (Rapid Deployment Capability) to Scenario 5 (Multidimensional Force), with a robust mandate.
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 the Member States to continue supporting the mission.
In addition, the Summit expressed its appreciation to the African Union (AU) and the International Cooperating Partners (ICPs) for the support towards stabilization of the security situation as well as the socio-economic recovery and development of Cabo Delgado Province.
Words of comfort were shared on the demise of soldiers serving in this mission from the Republics of Botswana, South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho and the United Republic of Tanzania.
The Summit commended the Republics of Zimbabwe and Malawi for the spirit of solidarity expressed through the delivery of the pledged donation of foodstuff in support of humanitarian assistance to the affected population of Cabo Delgado.
The head of mission was directed to coordinate with the Republic of Mozambique on the implementation of the comprehensive Integrated Reconstruction and Development Plan of Cabo Delgado.
