SADC Deploying troops in Mozambique

Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of states directed an immediate technical deployment to the Republic of Mozambique, to craft a response to the deteriorating security situation.

The violence in the region is causing a humanitarian crisis, which is likely to worsen, with more than 670,000 people forced to leave their homes, according to the United Nations.

A Double Troika Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SADC was held in Maputo, Mozambique to discuss the way forward.

The Troika received a report on the security situation in Mozambique and ‘noted with concern, the acts of terrorism perpetrated against innocent civilians, women and children in some of the districts of Cabo Delgado Province.

SADC is deeply concerned about the continued terrorist attacks in Cabo Delgado, especially for the lives and welfare of the residents who continue to suffer from the atrocious, brutal and indiscriminate assaults,” said Tyrone Seale, spokesperson for South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa, along with Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi and Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe attended the summit. Nyusi, in a national address, said his government has asked for assistance from neighboring countries and other international powers, but it does not want to compromise its sovereignty.