SADC mission withdrawal from Mozambique: Implications for the fight against insurgency in Cabo Delgado
In July 2021, the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) was deployed to Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, to combat terrorism and violent extremism. Troops from eight SADC member states supported the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM) in addressing the insurgency led by Ansar al-Sunna, a group affiliated with the Islamic State. Despite initial successes in reducing violence and reclaiming territory, SADC announced the mission’s phased withdrawal by July 2024, to be replaced by a larger Rwandan force partnered with the EU. However, a resurgence of insurgent attacks and rising displacement has raised concerns about the timing of SAMIM’s withdrawal and the ability of FADM to maintain security. The mission faced challenges, including outdated military equipment, funding constraints, and divided attention due to simultaneous deployments in the DRC.
