Tujoromajo Kasuto
Regarding recent developments on the SADC Mission in Mozambique ,President Hage Geingob, in his capacity as Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security, has condemned terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Cabo Delgado Province, and an investigation is underway to determine a plan of action.
According to Geingob, SADC will continue to assist Mozambique, through SAMIM, in combating terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Cabo Delgado Province by neutralizing the terrorist threat and restoring security in order to create a secure environment and paving the way for Mozambique and the SADC region’s sustainable development.
This follows the deployment of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) in Cabo Delgado Province on 15 July 2021 as a regional response to assist the Republic of Mozambique in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
Geingob notes that the humanitarian and security situation has greatly improved since the deployment of SAMIM, resulting in the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their places of origin.
“In the last few days, however, we have noted with regret a disturbing video clip circulating on social media depicting members of defence forces throwing bodies of deceased people in a pile of burning rubble. I wish to inform the general public that the SAMIM leadership has instituted investigations to establish the circumstances on the matter, a result of which will be shared once completed,” he adds.
As a result, he wishes to emphasize unequivocally that SADC does not condone the acts depicted in the video and that, once the investigations are completed, SADC will take appropriate measures in accordance with the international Law of Armed Conflict.
“The SAMIM Force has always conducted itself in a professional, efficient and responsible manner in line with applicable laws and the Rules of Engagement that govern SAMIM operations. On behalf of SADC, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to reiterate SADC’s commitment to peace and security in the Region,’ he asserts.
Mozambique has been fighting an Islamist armed uprising in its northern Cabo Delgado province for the past five years, and the human rights situation deteriorated in 2021, owing largely to the ongoing violence in the province.
According to a local media outlet in the country, the humanitarian crisis in the province has also worsened as a result of insecurity and violence, displacing over 800,000 people.