The governments of the United States and Mozambique have launched a Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) training program that is set to benefit the African nation as it continues to battle the Islamic State. The two-month program will see the U.S. Special Operations Forces train Mozambican marines in efforts to prevent the spread of terrorism in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.
In addition to the training, the U.S. government provided medical and communications equipment that is set to boost the fight against Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) which in the past week has been trying to capture Nangade District. The training by the US comes barely a week since ISCAP both in Mozambique and DRC were designated as FTO. While the US is committed to offering support the Mozambican government has been adamant to allow military intervention and is instead focused on support that builds the capacity and capabilities of its security forces.
The training support is welcome seeing as there have been human rights accusations leveled against the Mozambican military and the security contractors; DAG from South Africa that has been offering military support especially aerial support in Cabo Delgado. Thus, the US has announced that it is committed to offering a multifaceted and holistic approach in COIN efforts in Mozambique to offset the root cause of the insurgency and which has stemmed from historical injustices and socio-economic development deficiencies in the north.
