Sadc Forces Withdrawing from Cabo Delgado Despite ...

Sadc Forces Withdrawing from Cabo Delgado Despite Unsettled Situation

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

While praising regional efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa called upon the African Union to bolster its role in ensuring lasting peace and security across the continent.

This call comes amidst concerns surrounding the withdrawal of Sadc forces from Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, where an insurgency has displaced hundreds of thousands and claimed thousands of lives.

Highlighting the AU’s Agenda 2063, a framework for Pan-African unity and prosperity, President Mnangagwa stressed the need to address “hotspots” of conflict threatening regional stability.

He said this during interviews with journalists on the sidelines of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union.

He specifically mentioned the ongoing violence in the northern parts of Africa, including Sudan, where millions suffer due to protracted conflict.

The President commended Zimbabwe’s participation in the Sadc Mission in Mozambique, which has contributed to pushing back the insurgency in Cabo Delgado. However, with the mission nearing its end and the situation still volatile, Mnangagwa emphasised the need for a continued response.

After meeting with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, he stated: “The situation has not really calmed ... we are discussing how we can deal with the situation.”

Beyond Mozambique, Mnangagwa urged the AU to address the “unwarranted and unwanted trend” of unconstitutional changes of government, citing the suspension of two member states in 2023.

He voiced support for operationalising the African Peace Fund and deploying the African Standby Force to bolster regional security efforts.

The President also noted Zimbabwe’s pioneering adoption of an “Education 5.0” model, emphasising the importance of education in building resilient and prosperous societies. This aligns with the summit’s theme, “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century,” which resonates with Zimbabwe’s focus on preparing its citizens for real-world challenges.

He joined other African leaders in commemorating the legacy of Pan-Africanism and its champions, like the late Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere. As the AU summit concluded, Mauritanian President Mohamed Oud Ghazani assumed the chairmanship, taking over from the President of the Comoros.

With Sadc forces withdrawing and the situation in Cabo Delgado remaining precarious, Mnangagwa's call for renewed AU engagement underscores the ongoing need for collective action to address regional security threats and promote sustainable peace and development across Africa.