SADC leaders have resolved to deploy technical support in Mozambique to end the ongoing Islamist insurgency in the Mozambican town of Palma, in Cabo Delgado Province.

The leaders, including Malawi’s President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, met in Maputo, Mozambique to discuss ways of ending the insurgency which has killed hundreds of people and displaced more than half a million since October 2017.

The decision by the regional body’s Heads of State to deploy technical support to Mozambique was arrived at during a closed-door emergency meeting that the leaders held on Thursday, April 8.

The meeting comes in the wake of recent attacks in the Mozambican town of Palma in Cabo Delgado Province which has left dozens of civilians killed and at least 11 thousand displaced. There have been growing fears that if the insurgency is not contained quickly, it may escalate into some parts of the country.

Delegates to the meeting noted with concern the acts of terrorism perpetrated against innocent civilians, including women and children.

The leaders have affirmed that the terrorist attacks should not be entertained and that the regional body should act swiftly to end the violence.

The summit also commended Mozambican authorities for their efforts to end the barbaric acts.

The meeting has been attended by Malawi, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, all members of the SADC Troika, a defence and security arm of the regional body.

Speaking ahead of the closed-door meeting, the host President, who is also the outgoing SADC Chairperson, President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, called on the regional body to come up with measures to end the insurgencies and ensure continued peace and stability in the region.

He said his country has been heavily affected both economically and socially by the terrorist acts in Calbo Delgado which have also resulted in a loss of lives and displacement of people.

The SADC Double Troika comprises of the SADC Troika Member States namely; The Republic of Mozambique which is the current Chair of SADC, the Republic of Malawi the incoming Chair and the United Republic of Tanzania. The Organ Troika Member States comprises the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Republic of Botswana which is the current chair for Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation whilst Republic of South Africa is the incoming Chair for the same.

MBC