Apprehension in military means and among some of the FDS leadership increases with the end of the mandate of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) scheduled for JUL. The start of the withdrawal of the main contingents of SAMIM coincides with the further exacerbation of jihadist incursions in several districts of Cabo Delgado, accentuated by the discoordination on the ground between the military and PRM.

SANDF’s position on the ground may change with the exit of SAMIM’s partners. The revaluation of Pemba, the political and economic centre of the province, and of the district of Quissanga in Operation Vikela (Cabo Delgado) are pointed out as likely, not excluding a greater involvement in the southern districts such as Ancuabe and Chiure, where there is already a Rwandan military unit. The presence of a significant Rwandan contingent in Mozambique without the SADC presence is seen as compromising South African interests throughout the Southern African region. READ MORE