SADC force loses two soldiers in Mozambique
Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Two soldiers serving with the SADC Mission in Mozambique are said to have been killed while one escaped with minor injuries during contact with terrorists in the restive Cabo Delgado Province which saw more than 30 terrorists killed and many more injured.
This was contained in a media release by Major Mabikwa, the SAMIM force communication head on Wednesday evening.
“SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) wishes to inform the general public with deep sadness of the passing-on of two (02) of its members. This unfortunate incident happened on 29th November 2022 in the general area of Nkonga Village, Nangade District during contact with the Ahlu-Sunnah Wa-Jamaah terrorists,” said Major Mabikwa.
The two deceased SAMIM soldiers were Sergeant Musa Mpondo from the United Republic of Tanzania Contingent and Lance Corporal Zikamee Kamai from Botswana Defence Force Contingent.
The injured soldier is also from the United Tanzanian Contingent and is said to have suffered minor injuries and is recovering well at SAMIM Level II Hospital in Pemba.
“The Head of Mission of SAMIM, his Excellency Professor Mpho G. Molomo, SAMIM Force Commander Major General Xolani Mankayi and all SAMIM members wishes to express their heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased servicemen,” said Major Mabikwa.
Meanwhile, SAMIM Force remain committed and resolute to restoring peace and stability in Cabo Delgado Province of the Republic of Mozambique by degrading any form of violent extremism and terrorist activities.
The force was deployed by SADC after a request by Mozambican President Felix Nyusi following a deadly insurrection in the northern most mineral rich province since 2017.
Turning to SAMIM’s commitment to restore peace and order in Cabo Delgado Province, Major Mabikwa said, “SAMIM Force can confirm that terrorists suffered maximum fatalities during this contact as terrorists in excess of thirty (30) were killed and a sizeable number of weapons, ammunition and equipment confiscated.”
A joint force of SADC and Rwandan troops have helped authorities fight an Islamist insurgency in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique’s northernmost province. The threat is greatly lowered but not yet gone. Maputo will need more military assistance as well as a nudge to address the conflict’s political roots.
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