On July 15, 2021, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed a military mission in Mozambique, known as SAMIM, to combat the Islamic insurgency in Cabo Delgado province. The mission has since concluded with the handing over ceremony taking place on July 4th. The departure of the regional force means that Mozambican security forces is taking full responsibility for maintaining security.
Background of the Intervention
The insurgency in Cabo Delgado, led by the group known as Al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah (ASWJ) and affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS), began to escalate in late 2019. By mid-2021, the violence had displaced over 850,000 civilians and halted a $60 billion liquefied natural gas project led by TotalEnergies, ENI, and Exxon (Southern African Development Community. SADC member states, concerned about the potential for regional destabilization and the spread of extremism, pressured Mozambique to accept a military intervention.
SAMIM was deployed with 2,210 troops from South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Lesotho, Namibia, and Angola. The mission aimed to neutralize the extremists, assist Mozambican forces in operations, and provide training and advisory support.
Successes and Challenges
The SADC military mission had three primary strategic objectives:
- Neutralizing the extremists.
- Assisting the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces in planning and executing operations.
- Training and advising Mozambican forces.
Success:
- Neutralizing Extremist Forces: SAMIM was instrumental in reducing the operational capabilities of the insurgent group Ansar al-Sunna (ASWJ), affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS). The combined force, consisting of 2,210 troops from South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Lesotho, Namibia, and Angola, managed to dismantle several insurgent bases and disrupt their operations in Cabo Delgado. This significantly diminished the insurgents’ ability to control territory and launch large-scale attacks.
- Facilitating the Return of Displaced Persons: One of SAMIM’s notable achievements was the improvement in the security situation, which allowed for the return of 570,000 internally displaced persons by August 2023. The mission’s efforts in securing key areas and restoring a semblance of normalcy enabled many civilians to go back to their homes, contributing to the stabilization of the region.
- Supporting Mozambican Forces: SAMIM provided critical support to the Mozambican Defense and Security Forces (FADM) by assisting in planning and executing operations. This support helped improve the operational effectiveness of the FADM, albeit with some limitations. The mission also aimed to train and advise the Mozambican forces, although this aspect faced significant challenges.
However, the mission faced several challenges:
1. Insufficient Resources and Funding
One of the most significant challenges faced by SAMIM was the lack of adequate resources and funding. The force was under-resourced, never reaching the initially recommended strength of 2,900 troops. The mission operated with just 2,210 troops and lacked essential air, naval, and ground assets. This shortfall in manpower and equipment severely limited the mission’s operational capabilities and effectiveness.
- Coordination and Communication Issues
Coordination with other forces, particularly the Rwandan contingent and the Mozambican military, was problematic. Differences in communication equipment, language barriers, and varying operational procedures hindered effective joint operations. These coordination issues often resulted in disjointed efforts and reduced the overall impact of the mission.
- Intelligence Shortcomings
Intelligence gathering and sharing were major weak points for SAMIM. The mission struggled with insufficient and often inaccurate intelligence, which compromised the safety and effectiveness of operations. Additionally, there were frequent leaks of operational information to the extremists, further endangering both troops and civilians.
4. Training and Development Limitations
SAMIM faced significant difficulties in fulfilling its mandate to train and advise the Mozambican forces. Identifying the specific training needs of the FADM proved challenging, and the limited development and humanitarian efforts hindered the mission’s ability to sustain long-term progress. The lack of a comprehensive development strategy further complicated the stabilization efforts.
- Political and Internal Challenges
The Mozambican government’s delayed and inconsistent response to the insurgency, coupled with internal political struggles within the ruling Frelimo party, added layers of complexity to SAMIM’s mission. Factional battles and the fallout from the 2013-2014 Tuna bonds corruption scandal impeded cohesive support and collaboration with the mission. Some reports even suggested that certain factions within Frelimo had, at times, supported the insurgents, further complicating the situation.
Lessons Learned
Several lessons can be drawn from the SAMIM mission:
- Host Nation Cooperation: The success of an intervention force hinges on the full backing and cooperation of the host nation. The Mozambican government’s inconsistent support and internal political issues, including factional battles within Frelimo and the fallout from the 2013-2014 Tuna bonds corruption scandal, impeded the mission.
- Understanding Local Dynamics: The Mozambican government’s slow response to the insurgency and its opposition to regional involvement raise questions about its priorities. The cleavages from the civil war between Renamo and Frelimo, along with local grievances against the state, have not been adequately addressed.
- Holistic Approach Needed: Effective stabilization requires a combination of military, socioeconomic, and political interventions to address the underlying causes of conflict.
Future Prospects
Insurgent activities have resurged since the second half of 2023, highlighting unresolved issues that led to the conflict. The SADC mission, though impactful, was limited in scope and duration. The Mozambican government and its security forces have shown only limited improvement in their capacity to maintain security independently.
As SAMIM withdraws, Mozambique continues to receive support from Tanzania and Rwanda. Tanzanian President Filipe Nyusi emphasized the importance of cooperation in combating terrorism, and Rwanda has reinforced its contingent in Cabo Delgado. The future stability of the region will depend on the Mozambican government’s ability to address the root causes of the insurgency and effectively coordinate with its regional partners.
In conclusion, the SAMIM mission in Mozambique demonstrates the complexities of regional military interventions and the necessity of comprehensive strategies that involve political, economic, and social dimensions to achieve lasting peace and stability. The end of SAMIM’s mission in Mozambique marks a critical juncture for Cabo Delgado. While the mission achieved notable successes, significant challenges remain. The future stability of the region hinges on the Mozambican government’s ability to implement effective security measures and address underlying socio-economic issues. Continued international and regional support will be essential in ensuring that Mozambique does not revert to a state of instability and conflict.
