Troops deployed by the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) to combat an Islamist insurgency in Mozambique are set to depart the country citing financial limitations, according to Mozambique’s foreign minister, Verónica Macamo.
The decision comes as Sadc grapples with budget constraints, prioritizing stability efforts in Mozambique over the enduring conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sadc forces have been engaged in quelling violence in DR Congo since December of the previous year.
Mozambique’s President, Filipe Nyusi, disclosed that Sadc intends to pull out its forces by July, though emphasizing that this move does not signify an end to the nation’s battle against jihadist groups.
Nyusi underscored Mozambique’s readiness to collaborate bilaterally with other nations if necessary. In a Facebook post, he urged Mozambicans to remain focused, asserting that the primary responsibility lies with them.
Northern Mozambique has been plagued by an armed insurgency for six years, with the Islamic State group claiming involvement in some of the attacks. The insurgency, marked by assaults on civilians and security forces, prompted a military response in July 2021.
Rwanda initially deployed over 2,000 military personnel to Mozambique, followed by support from Sadc.