Cape Town – The European Union says it is setting up a training mission in Mozambique to help local armed forces battle ISIS-linked jihadists in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.
The jihadists have been wreaking havoc in the Cabo Delgado province since late 2017, stoking fears that the violence could spill over into neighbouring countries.
At least 3 000 people have died, while more than 800 000 have been displaced.
“The aim of the mission is to train and support the Mozambican armed forces in protecting the civilian population and restoring safety and security in the Cabo Delgado province,” the EU said in a statement on Monday.
?? EU setting up a military training mission in ?? Mozambique, in order to help local armed forces protect the civilian population and restore safety & security in Cabo Delgado.
? Read the press release: https://t.co/bVUnoM9yt7 pic.twitter.com/JIGyCVBxHY
— European External Action Service – EEAS ?? (@eu_eeas) July 12, 2021
It added: “The mandate of the mission will initially last two years. During this period, its strategic objective will be to support the capacity building of the units of the Mozambican armed forces that will be part of a future Quick Reaction Force.
“In particular, the mission will provide military training including operational preparation, specialised training on counter-terrorism, and training and education on the protection of civilians and compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law.”
The EU’s announcement came just a few days after Rwanda indicated that it will send a thousand troops to the southern African country to help fight the extremist militants.
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Rwanda’s deployment followed last month’s decision by regional bloc the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to send forces to help quell the insurgency.
The Rwandan contingent will work with the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces and those from SADC “in designated sectors of responsibility”, said a statement from Kigali.
Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi, himself a former defence minister, had for long shied away from asking for foreign military intervention to fight the jihadists, instead relying on private military companies.
But last month he vowed to crush the militants with the help of regional allies as attacks escalated over the last year.
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Picture: Getty Images
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
Additional reporting by AFP
