Question NW1419 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
06 May 2022 - NW1419
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
With reference to the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, chairing the Extraodinary Summit of the Organ Troika of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) plus SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) Personnel Contributing Countries (PCCs) and the Republic of Mozambique on 12 April 2022, what are the details of the progress of the SADC Mission in Mozambique; (2) Whether any time frame was discussed regarding the fight against acts of terrorists in some parts of Cabo Delgado Province; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) on what date is it envisaged that peace will be restored in the region?NW1736E
Reply:
1. On 12 April 2022, Extra-Ordinary SADC Summit plus Personnel Contributing Countries received and noted the progress on the operations of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) as well as the budget of SAMIM. The Summit Plus approved the transition of SAMIM from Scenario 6, (Rapid Deployment Capability) to Scenario 5 (Multidimensional Force), with a robust mandate (retention of Special Forces) by 15 May 2022. The SAMIM leadership recommended to the Extraordinary SADC Summit an adoption of term-based approach of a one year beyond 15 July 2022, instead of a three month’s renewal. The Troika Summit Plus has recommended the 1-year term-based approach for adoption by the SADC Extraordinary Summit which will take place before July 2022.
2. Given the intractable nature of the fight against terrorism, it is not possible to have a fixed time frame on when peace will be restored in the region. However, the SADC countries will continue with the fight against terrorism using the instruments at the disposal of individual countries and the region.