EU Announces Cash Support For Mozambique

The European Union, EU has announced that it is providing additional support to the African military mission in Mozambique in the form of $15m.

The support would go towards the Southern African Development Community, SADC mission to Mozambique, SAMIM.

The EU says the money will go towards “peace-building” and will focus on “the capacity building of police and correctional services officers, women and youth empowerment, and dialogue with civic leaders tailored towards good governance and the rule of law.”

The EU said with this money, it will join “Mozambican and international efforts to restore peace, safety, and security in the North of Mozambique.”

Report says SAMIM will receive “camp fortifications and storage containers, medical equipment, vehicles, and boats, as well as technological devices.”

Meanwhile, since 2017 northern Mozambique’s gas-rich Cabo Delgado region has been plagued by armed violence, with some attacks claimed by the Islamic State extremist group.

The insurgency led to a military response a year ago by SADC forces, liberating districts next to the gas projects, but leading to a new wave of attacks in other areas.

The announcement comes as the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Fontelles, visits Mozambique.

During his trip, he would visit EU training missions in the country, which are aimed at helping the Mozambican army fight terrorism.

BBC/CO