Africa-Press – Mozambique. Mozambique’s ruling party (Frelimo) said on Wednesday that the armed groups operating in the northern province of Cabo Delgado “are being put out of combat”, welcoming the presence of foreign troops.
“Thanks to the courage, commitment and vision of President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, the terrorists are being put out of combat, and the security situation tends to improve progressively,” said the head of the Frelimo parliamentary bench Sergio Pantie.
The ruling party’s bench leader saluted the Defence and Security Forces (FDS), the military mission of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the military contingent of Rwanda for the gradual restoration of security in Cabo Delgado.
“Contrary to some voices in our politics and civil society, insensitive to the pain and suffering of our people, the Frelimo parliamentary bench welcomes and encourages the decision of the government of Mozambique to welcome the coming of the troops from SADC and Rwanda, at a time when the actions of the terrorists were resurgent against the defenceless populations,” he said.
Pantie congratulated the SADC for deciding to extend its military mission in Cabo Delgado, noting that the actions of armed groups had not yet been completely neutralised.
“We are aware that it is not yet the time to claim victory, but we are sure that victory against the bandits and terrorists is certain,” Pantie emphasised.
Despite the improvement in security in Cabo Delgado, he continued, the population that is the victim of armed violence needs humanitarian assistance due to the barbarity and suffering to which it has been subjected in more than four years of action the armed groups.
“Let us put together what we can, either individually or collectively, through religious denominations and other organisations. Together we make a difference, and we are stronger,” said the head of the Frelimo parliamentary delegation.
Sérgio Pantie appealed to the young people attracted by the armed groups to return to normal life, abandoning the path of violence.
The province of Cabo Delgado is rich in natural gas but terrorised since 2017 by armed rebels, with some attacks claimed by the extremist group Islamic State.
The conflict has led to more than 3,100 deaths, according to the ACLED conflict registration project, and more than 817,000 displaced people, according to Mozambican authorities.
Since July, an offensive by government troops with the support of Rwanda, which was later joined by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), allowed increased security, recovering several areas where there was rebel presence, including the town of Mocímboa da Praia, which had been occupied since August 2020.
The Mozambican parliament resumed plenary sessions today after a five-month pause, with a plan that has the approval of the State Budget for 2022 as the highest point on the agenda.
