Terrorism. Chapo highlights the "determination" of his allies

The Mozambican President highlighted this Sunday the “determination and commitment” of the countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, saying that the country will continue to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for “brotherhood”.

"We are pleased to reiterate the gratitude of the Mozambican people to your leadership, Your Excellencies, for the determination and commitment of the sister countries of our region in the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado province," said Daniel Chapo, during the 45th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government.

In June 2024, the withdrawal of SAMIM troops was completed. This joint mission of eight southern African countries had been stationed in Cabo Delgado since mid-2021, supporting Mozambican forces in the fight against terrorism. Rwandan troops also support the country in the fight against insurgents and remain on the ground in Tanzania, a country that borders two northern provinces of Mozambique.

The Mozambican head of state, who is participating in the SADC summit for the first time, offered “comfort” to the governments, people and families of the “citizens of different countries” who died and were injured in the “noble mission” of fighting insurgent groups in Cabo Delgado.

"Mozambique will continue to pay tribute to these exemplary sons and daughters who sacrificed their integrity and even their lives in the name of solidarity and the spirit of brotherhood that guide our organization," the President declared, adding that "eradicating the threat" posed by terrorism is one of the priorities of the Mozambican government.

Daniel Chapo also stated that he is committed to strengthening the Mozambican military's capacity for a "more effective" approach to terrorism, aiming to defend "sovereignty and territorial integrity." "The Mozambican Armed Defense Forces continue to invigorate their actions to stop this heinous phenomenon," concluded the President of Mozambique.

Since October 2017, the gas-rich province of Cabo Delgado has been facing an armed rebellion, with attacks claimed by movements associated with the extremist group Islamic State. The new wave of attacks, particularly in the Chiúre district, beginning in the last week of July, has displaced more than 57,000 people, according to organizations on the ground.

According to the most recent report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with data from July 20 to August 3, “the escalation of attacks and the growing fear of violence” by non-state armed groups in the districts of Muidumbe, Ancuabe and Chiúre led to the displacement of 57,034 people, a total of 13,343 families.

The Minister of National Defense admitted at the end of July concern about the wave of new attacks in Cabo Delgado, adding that defense forces are on the ground pursuing the armed rebels.

"As a security force, we are not satisfied with the current situation, considering that terrorists have gained access to areas farthest from the center of gravity that we have identified in recent days," Cristóvão Chume told reporters.

At least 349 people died in attacks by Islamic extremist groups in northern Mozambique in 2024, a 36% increase compared to the previous year, according to a study released in February by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS).

The 45th SADC summit is taking place in Madagascar, which assumes the rotating presidency of the organization, previously chaired by Zimbabwe, in a meeting whose theme is “Promoting industrialization, agricultural transformation and energy transition for a resilient SADC”.

SADC, created on August 17, 1992, is a bloc whose member states are South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.