President Daniel Chapo has praised the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) for its “critical role” in stabilising conflict-affected regions, saying the three-year deployment helped restore public confidence and strengthen national resolve toward lasting peace.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi in Maputo on Tuesday, Chapo acknowledged the mission’s contribution to countering terrorism and violent extremism in Cabo Delgado province.
“SAMIM played a critical role in stabilising conflict-affected areas and restoring public confidence,” he said.
“The solidarity demonstrated by SADC Member States has strengthened our resolve to uphold peace and build lasting resilience.”
SAMIM was deployed in July 2021 following a decision by an Extraordinary SADC Summit in Maputo to support Mozambique’s efforts to combat insurgency in the north.
The regional force, comprising troops from eight SADC countries, worked alongside Mozambique’s defence forces to neutralise armed groups, recapture territory and facilitate humanitarian access. The mission concluded in July 2024.
Chapo, who assumed office in January 2025, used the meeting to reaffirm Mozambique’s commitment to inclusive growth, regional integration and multilateral cooperation.
He also announced the launch of national public dialogues aimed at addressing post-election tensions and fostering reconciliation.
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is the foundation upon which development is built,” he said.
Magosi outlined SADC’s strategic priorities, including operationalisation of a regional development Fund, streamlining cross-border trade and expanding energy connectivity.
He called for the removal of non-tariff barriers and improved transport infrastructure to unlock regional economic potential.
Mozambique is advancing several regional initiatives, including one-stop border posts with Tanzania, South Africa and Malawi, and electricity interconnectors with neighbouring countries.
Through its national gas company ENH, the country is implementing the SADC Regional Gas Master Plan, which includes liquefied natural gas terminals and a 2,600-kilometre pipeline.
In the water sector, Mozambique is co-leading the €10.6 million Lomahasha/Namaacha Cross-Border Water Supply Project with Eswatini, expected to benefit over 40,000 residents by 2026.
The country also hosts the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) in Nacala Porto, a key regional hub for disaster response.
As African Union Champion for Disaster Risk Management, Chapo pledged to deepen collaboration with continental partners and expand SHOC’s infrastructure to enhance early warning systems and emergency coordination.
JN/APA