The lack of financial resources to sustain the operations of the SADC Military Force (SAMIM) against terrorism in the Northern Operational Theater, Cabo Delgado province, will culminate in its withdrawal on July 15.

According to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Verónica Macamo, SAMIM is dealing with financial problems and Mozambique, having to look after its troops, would also be financially constrained to support SAMIM.

"Countries are not managing to put in the necessary money," she said, quoted by the The Country.

In fact, the situation in Mozambique is considered relatively stable compared to the escalation of violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 120 armed groups are active.

"There are many problems in Africa and at the moment we have two missions: DRCongo and Mozambique. And SADC has understood that, for Mozambique, if other countries continue to support us with material, including lethal material, we can effectively stamp out terrorism," he said.

The information was provided by the Minister after a meeting between the President of the Republic, Filipe Nyusi, and his Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema, who chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC) body on Cooperation in the Areas of Politics, Defense and Security.

At the extraordinary session of the Troika on Saturday (23) in Lusaka, Zambia, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi said that Cabo Delgado's situation was relatively calm compared to Congo's current needs.

"It was exactly two months ago that I took part in a visit to SAMIM and SAMIDRC troops to appreciate their work, boost their morale and experience first-hand the challenges they face. I would like to inform you, Excellencies, that although we have made progress in combating terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Cabo Delgado Province through SAMIM's efforts, the security situation in the east of the DRC remains worrying. The resurgence of armed groups, including M23, has caused untold misery for the population of eastern DRC, with more than 3 million people displaced, mostly women, girls and children. During my visit to the east of the DRC, I noted the urgent need to support SAMIDRC so that the mission fulfills its mandate to restore peace and security in the region, protect civilians and ensure corridors to facilitate humanitarian support," reads the speech to which we have had access.

The SADC Troika session on Southern African Liberation Day was called to take stock of and appreciate the progress made in Cabo Delgado Province, in northern Mozambique, as well as in North Kivu Province, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the region has set up SAMIM and SAMIDRC, respectively.

In August 2023, SADC approved the extension of the SAMIM mission, which has been in the country since mid-2021, for a further 12 months, until July 2024, providing for a plan for the progressive withdrawal of the forces of the eight countries in the region that are part of it.