Botswana President says Mozambique is already capable of fighting terrorists

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi said this Saturday that Mozambique has managed to create a military capability superior to that of the terrorists operating in Cabo Delgado, where the African country has significant support forces.

This Saturday, Botswana’s Head of State visited the country’s military members of the Security Assistance International Mission (SAMIM) in Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique, in the Northern Operational Theater (TON), accompanied by Mozambique’s Minister of National Security. Defense: Kristovan Chume.

“Since 2021, Mozambique has developed capabilities beyond those of the rebels,” Masisi said on his official social media account X, adding that SAMIM’s mission “was shaped by very strong ideals that, when a country is under attack, needs help, other countries have an obligation to offer assistance.”

On November 22, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi asked for “decisions” on the military’s response capabilities in Cabo Delgado, especially with reservists, given the planned withdrawal of foreign forces supporting terrorist groups on the ground.

“Concrete decisions on the response capabilities of the Armed Forces regarding their actions to combat terrorism in Cabo Delgado in the period after the withdrawal of friendly forces from SAMIM and Rwanda,” he called, speaking in Maputo at the opening of the XXIV Coordination Council of the Ministry of National Defense.

“To this end, your consideration should also evaluate how best to capitalize on the pool of reservists by engaging them directly or indirectly in various missions in favor of protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. And the current reality justifies this,” he added, citing the example of former liberation fighters who are “still useful even after 40 years.”

In the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado, Nyusi emphasized the importance of “calling on citizens” and society as a whole to “actively participate in national defense efforts.”

Last August, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit approved a 12-month extension of the mission in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, until July next year. According to the final communique of the 43rd SADC Heads of State and Government Summit, the meeting also congratulated the member states, leadership and personnel of the Southern African Development Community Military Mission (SAMIM) for its dedication and contribution in supporting the mission aimed at achieving peace and security in province of Cabo Delgado.

Last July, an assessment mission proposed a complete withdrawal of SAM soldiers from Cabo Delgado by July 2024, noting that the situation in the province is “currently calm” despite prevailing risks.

The analysis of the situation points to the risks posed by SAMIM remaining for another year, consisting of “increasing financial strain” on member states and a lack of budget for action to mobilize communities to support foreign troops.”

In addition to SAMIM and Mozambican government forces, Rwandan troops are fighting insurgents in Cabo Delgado, operating along the perimeter of the area where gas projects are taking place in the Rovuma Basin.

Cabo Delgado province has faced an armed insurgency for six years, with the extremist group Islamic State claiming responsibility for some attacks.

The insurgency has led to a military response since July 2021, supported by Rwanda and SADC, liberating areas near gas projects, but new waves of attacks have emerged in the south of the region and in neighboring Nampula province.

The conflict has already displaced one million people, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and nearly 4,000 people have died, according to the ACLED Conflict Recording Project.