"SADC remains committed to helping Mozambique to achieve peace" - Minister

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa

South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor says South Africa will continue to champion for peace and security. She was addressing the end-of-the-year media briefing on Tuesday.

She says Southern African Development Community (SADC) is very concerned about the situation in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique as the neighbouring country battles insurgency.

Rwandan and Southern African forces are assisting the Mozambique army to battle an ISIS-linked insurgency in the area. A major gas project has been shelved because of the insecurity in the area.

The regional bloc has since extended the mandate of its mission there. Pandor says the immediate priority for the SADC region is the resettlement of displaced people in the northern part of Mozambique, in the Cabo Delgado province.

SADC has since extended its mission’s work to restore peace and stability in the area that has been hit by violent extremism and terrorism.

“The SADC region remains unwavering in its commitment to helping the Republic of Mozambique to achieve peace and our leaders want lasting peace in the region. In August this year, we assumed the role of chair and we will continue to support efforts to ensure that there is rule of law.”