In the complex landscape of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) embarked on a critical military mission known as Samim, initiated on July 15, 2021, with the primary objective of countering the jihadist insurgency by a group now identifying as Al Sunnah. This group, having affiliations with the Islamic State (Isis), posed a significant threat, not only due to the rapid spread of their violent activities since late 2019 but also because of the potential expansion of Isis’s influence in the region. Thomas Mandrup, a military science and defence expert, provides insights into the situation following a ground visit and an evaluation of the mission’s outcomes and challenges.
The jihadist insurgency led to more than 850,000 civilians being displaced and jeopardized a monumental US$60 billion investment in a liquefied natural gas project, crucial for economic growth not only locally but regionally. In response, the SADC deployed a combined force of 2,210 troops, led primarily by a South African contingent, aiming to neutralize the extremist threat and support Mozambique’s defense forces in restoring security.
Despite initial successes, including a significant reduction in insurgent capacity and the return of approximately 570,000 internally displaced people to their homes by August 2023, the mission faced several obstacles. These ranged from insufficient troop numbers and capabilities to coordination challenges and weak intelligence gathering. Moreover, the resurgence of attacks in the latter half of 2023 highlighted the persistent vulnerabilities and the mission’s limitations in addressing the deep-rooted causes of conflict.
The operation’s difficulties were compounded by the Mozambican government’s hesitant cooperation and internal political challenges, including factional battles within the ruling Frelimo party and the lingering effects of the Tuna bonds corruption scandal. These internal dynamics, coupled with a lack of a clear plan to address the insurgency’s root causes and to engage effectively with the local population’s grievances, have impeded the stabilization efforts.
Furthermore, the mission’s effectiveness was contrasted with the Rwandan forces’ perceived efficiency, highlighting the need for well-equipped and trained interventions. As the SADC mission concludes in June 2024, with Mozambican forces set to assume full security responsibilities, the future remains uncertain. The resurgence of insurgent activities underscores the ongoing challenges and the critical need for comprehensive political, socioeconomic, and military strategies to address the multifaceted dimensions of the conflict.
This situation in Mozambique illustrates the complexities of regional military interventions and the imperative for host government engagement and support. The SADC mission’s experiences offer valuable lessons on the necessity of addressing the underlying causes of insurgency, ensuring effective coordination and capabilities, and fostering government and community involvement in peacebuilding efforts. As the mission draws to a close, the international community and regional stakeholders must remain vigilant and supportive of Mozambique’s journey toward lasting peace and security.
Source: Newsday
