The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Tuesday in Pretoria approved the continuation of the Southern African joint military mission to combat terrorism in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.

"The Summit approved the extension of SAMIM [Southern Africa Mission in Mozambique] to continue offensive actions against violent extremists and terrorists in Mozambique," Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced, without giving details.

The head of state was speaking at the end of an Extraordinary Summit of the Troika of the Southern African Development Community plus the Republic of Mozambique, chaired by the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, held on Tuesday in the country's capital, Pretoria.

SAMIM arrived on the ground on August 9 to "combat acts of terrorism and violent extremism in the Northern Region of Cabo Delgado Province" with an initial mandate until it ends on October 15, 2021.

President Masisi noted that the extension of the SADC joint military mission in Cabo Delgado aims to "consolidate security stability, create a conducive environment for the resettlement of populations, and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations and sustained development."

"The Summit urged member states, in liaison with humanitarian agencies, to continue humanitarian assistance to populations affected by terrorist attacks, including internally displaced persons," he said.

Regional leaders from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique, who attended the summit, also expressed their "unconditional support" to Maputo in "efforts to achieve peace and security in some of the central and northern districts of Cabo Delgado province," according to the regional leader.

The Botswana President also stressed that "the Government of Mozambique was grateful for the regional [SADC] support in the fight against terrorism," adding that "the Summit commended President Ramaphosa's efforts for his leadership."

The summit was convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his capacity as chairman of the SADC Organ for Cooperation on Politics, Defense and Security, according to the South African Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation.

Lusa Agency