The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed commitment in finding a lasting solution to terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Mozambique`s Cabo Delgado Province.
The SADC leaders have expressed the assurance during a day-long Double Troika Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community in Maputo, Mozambique.
According to a communique issued after completion of the meeting, there is progress towards the setting up of a humanitarian center.
“Summit noted the progress in finding a lasting solution to terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Cabo Delgado Province, and considered the proposed regional response in support of the Republic of Mozambique.
The Summit noted progress towards the establishment and operationalisation of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), which will enhance regional capabilities in risk and disaster management, and commended the Republic of Mozambique for her commitment to host the centre,” reads part of the communique.
Speaking upon arrival at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, President Lazarus Chakwera who also attended the meeting, said SADC member States will do what is necessarily needed to ensure that there is peace in Mozambique and the whole region.
“While we condemn as we have always done, the atrocities that have been committed by the insurgence there, we recognize the fact the attacks are on all of us and as a region we cooperate in making sure that we respond as a bloc.
“We are also looking at how best we can continue to make sure that the whole region is safe in order for us to continue with a programme of creating wealth for everyone so that as a region we can prosper, without security we cannot do that,” said Chakwera.
The Summit has since agreed to convene an extra-ordinary Summit by 20th June 2021 to be held in Mozambique.
Apart from discussing the Cabo Delgado insurgency, the Summit expressed sympathy and solidarity with the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the Nyiragongo volcanic eruption in Goma, which has caused the destruction of property, loss of life and displacement of people.
