The Southern African Development Community (SADC) military mission in Mozambique, known as Samim, was deployed in July 2021 to combat the Islamic insurgents wreaking havoc in the northern Cabo Delgado province since 2017. The mission, consisting of troops from various SADC member states, aimed to eliminate the threat posed by the extremist group Al Sunnah, affiliated with Islamic State (Isis), and restore peace and security in the region.
The insurgency led to over 850,000 civilians being displaced from their homes and the suspension of a lucrative liquefied natural gas project, impacting the local, national, and regional economy. Despite initial success in reducing the insurgents’ capacity and assisting the Mozambican military, challenges arose as the mission progressed.
Issues such as inadequate funding, limited capabilities, coordination problems with Rwandan forces, weak intelligence gathering, and leaked operational information hindered the mission’s effectiveness. Additionally, the Mozambican government’s delayed response to the insurgency and internal political conflicts within the ruling party, Frelimo, further complicated the situation.
Lessons learned from the operation highlight the importance of full host nation support, understanding the local context, and addressing the root causes of conflict. The SADC mission underscored the complexities of launching and sustaining a large-scale military operation without comprehensive political solutions in place.
As insurgency activities resurge in Cabo Delgado, the risk of extremists regaining strength looms large. The Mozambican government’s limited capacity raises concerns about its ability to take over security responsibilities post-SADC mission withdrawal in June 2024.
In conclusion, the SADC mission in Mozambique serves as a cautionary tale of the challenges and costs associated with military interventions in complex conflict zones. It emphasizes the need for holistic approaches that combine military, socioeconomic, and political interventions to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
