Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) is set to receive as yet unspecified Chinese military aid this year as the mission continues to root out the ISCAP insurgency. The African Union (AU) revealed in a communique following a meeting by its Peace and Security Council (PSC).
SAMIM has been reported to be experiencing operational challenges with even countries looking to withdraw their troops due to the force being under-equipped and under-financed. The AU has pledged to support and ensure that the mission is effective in the implantation of its mandate and stabilizing Mozambique.
The AU is taking the lead in offering support as well as calling upon the UN, EU, and the larger international community to throw their support behind the force which is committed to ensuring that a caliphate is not established in Cabo Delgado. In a recent SADC meeting, it was established that the CT efforts in Mozambique require an assortment of aid including technical, financial, logistical, and essential weaponry resources.
Despite reports from captured militants have indicated a weakening insurgency, it is still too early to declare victory against ISCAP as recent intelligence indicates that there is a possible resurgence in areas that have been previously declared recaptured. ISCAP in Cabo Delgado has been showing resilience and while SAMIM’s mandate has been extended, a sustainable military system empowered by training Mozambican troops ought to be adopted to ensure sustainable security in Cabo Delgado.
