President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the extension of the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) deployment in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province until December 31, 2024. This strategic decision is part of South Africa’s commitment to combating the escalating acts of terrorism and violent extremism in the region.
The extension, involving 1,495 SANDF personnel, aligns with South Africa’s international obligations under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to support Mozambique’s fight against insurgent groups. The announcement was made through a communication to the South African Parliament, which was later quoted by the SAVANA newspaper.
President Ramaphosa’s letter to the Parliament, dated April 15, clarifies that the deployment is not merely an extension but a necessary legal cover for the forces already stationed in Cabo Delgado, whose mandate concluded on the same date. The operation, named “Vikela” – a Zulu term meaning “defend” – will continue to safeguard the northern regions of Mozambique from insurgent activities.
The financial implications of this extended mission are significant, with an expected cost of R984,368,057. This budgetary allocation reflects the gravity of the situation and the resources required to maintain peace and stability in the area.
“I have informed the National Assembly that I have decided to extend the deployment of 1,495 members of the South African National Defence Force [SANDF] in the service of fulfilling South Africa’s international obligation to the Southern African Development Community to combat acts of terrorism and violent extremism affecting areas of northern Mozambique,” reads the note that Ramaphosa sent to Parliament on April 15.
The SANDF’s presence in Mozambique is part of a broader SADC initiative, the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), aimed at supporting President Felipe Nyusi’s government in its struggle against the hostile Ansar al-Sunna Wa Jamma (ASWJ) elements.
Despite the initial plans for withdrawal, as evidenced by a farewell parade on April 7 and subsequent readiness evaluations, the South African contingent will now remain active in Mozambique until the end of the year. This extension is a pivot from the SADC Military Mission’s earlier decision to begin withdrawing its forces according to last year’s schedule.
The withdrawal process began with Botswana’s contingent, and the remaining six nations—Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia—are scheduled to depart by July. This will leave the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), also known as the Rwanda Security Force (RSF), as the sole foreign military presence in Mozambique, supporting the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM) against the insurgent group ASWJ, also referred to as ISIS-M.
“Technically this is not an extension of the mandate of the South African troops in Cabo Delgado. Basically, President Ramaphosa sought to find legal cover for the forces that are still on the ground,” he said.
“The deployed SANDF members will continue with their responsibilities to combat terrorist acts and violent extremism in northern Mozambique under operation ‘vikela’ from April 16, 2024 until December 2024,” Ciryl Ramaphosa told South Africa’s National Assembly.
Major General Patrick Njabulo Dube, the SAMIM Force Commander, has praised the SANDF’s contributions to peace and stability in the region. He emphasized the importance of collective defence and commended the discipline and vigilance of the South African soldiers during their deployment.
The commitment to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) is “in fulfilment of an international obligation” via the regional bloc to support President Felipe Nyusi’s government against hostile ASWJ (Ansar al-Sunna Wa Jamma) elements.
The 1 495 strong South African deployment, with the SA Army Infantry Formation providing the bulk, was supported by engineering and logistic personnel with SA Air Force (SAAF) and SA Military Health Service (SAMHS) on active duty for the then three-year lifespan of the mission.
Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela, Lesotho Defence Force Chief of Staff (CoS), was in Mozambique last week to, among others, assess the drawdown status of the SADC Mission in Mozambique. The three-star was, Captain Tshepiso Mantjane, Mission Public Information Officer, reports, thanked for guidance given “regarding the process of exiting the mission”.
The extension also anticipates the eventual takeover by Rwandan troops under a bilateral agreement with Mozambique, as the SAMIM mission is set to conclude in July. This transitional period will ensure a seamless handover and continued support for Mozambique’s ongoing security challenges.
Likewise, President Cyril Ramaphosa has also confirmed the extension of the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This move comes as part of South Africa’s commitment to the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission (MONUSCO) and the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) efforts in the region.
The SANDF’s continued presence in the DRC, involving 1,198 personnel, is aimed at neutralising negative forces and restoring peace under Operation Mistral. This deployment, set from 16 April 2024 to 20 December 2024, is expected to cost approximately R805 million.
