Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State have expressed concern over the attacks in Republic of Mozambique, which left dozens murdered and thousands displaced.
Mozambican Cabo Delgado Province have experienced spate of attacks in the last two weeks.
The SADC leaders while condemning the attacks, pledged commitment towards efforts of bringing about lasting peace, as well as reconciliation and development in the country.
The leaders made this known in a statement during this week’s Extraordinary Double Troika Summit in Maputo, in Mozambique, affirming “that such heinous attacks cannot be allowed to continue without a proportionate regional response,” reads the statement.
They expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Government and people of the country, particularly the bereaved families, on the loss of their loved ones.
The Summit directed an immediate SADC Organ technical deployment to the country and the convening of an Extraordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ by 28 April 2021. The Committee is expected to report to the Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit to be held in Mozambique on 29 April 2021.
“Double Troika Summit, commended H.E. President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, of the Republic of Botswana, and Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation for spearheading the work of the Organ,” reads the statement.
The Summit also commended Mozambique President Jacinto Nyusi, and Chairperson of SADC, for his leadership and for convening the Summit.
During the meeting, the heads of state and government also paid tribute to late Tanzania President, Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, who was the out-going Chairperson of SADC, by observing a minute of silence.