A Delegation of the Political Affairs Peace and Security Department led by the Director of Conflict Management, Dr. Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, arrived on a three-day field mission in Pemba, Mozambique, on 15 November 2023. The mission is being undertaken within the context of the AU Commission’s provision of support to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to enhance engagement and joint efforts in supporting the Government and People of the Republic of Mozambique in addressing the crisis posed by terrorist groups operating in parts of the Cabo Delgado Province. Accordingly, the African Union Commission donated equipment and materials to the SADC to support the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). The donated equipment includes protective assault vehicles, military utility trucks, mine detectors, generators, personnel protective gear, tentages, sleeping bags, beds and mattresses, computers, printers, cameras, conference furniture, projectors, sound systems and other accessories. During the field mission, the AU Delegation officially handed over the donated equipment to SADC, represented by the SAMIM Head of Mission, Professor Mpho Molomo and the senior mission leadership.
The AU Delegation further held discussions with the SAMIM leadership on progress made on implementing the mission’s mandate and additional support the AU could provide, among other areas of possible collaboration. The conduct of the field mission is a testimony of the AU Commission’s commitment to work closely with the regional economic communities and regional mechanisms (RECs/RMs) to address peace and security challenges on the continent. The donation is thus part of efforts by the African Union to discharge its mandate of promoting peace, security and stability in Africa.
The AU expresses its gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for the one hundred million dollars ($100 million) military aid grant to the Africa Union which made this donation possible.
