SADC troops fighting a deadly insurgency in Mozambique have moved to a “de-escalated” engagement in parts of the troubled Cabo Delgado province, where a civilian component, humanitarian, police and other actors will be brought into help restore stability, Mmegi has learnt.

While the situation remains “volatile and unpredictable,” Defence and Security ministry officials said the multi-dimensional approach would be used alongside the military in calmer areas, while forces remained on high alert.

Since their deployment to northern Mozambique last July, troops from Botswana and several other SADC states have been operating under Scenario 6 which the Defence and Security Ministry says “entails military intervention in critical security situations to prevent mass killings and acts of genocide”.

Botswana sent 300 troops to Mozambique under the SADC banner to help quell an insurgency that has been raging since 2017 and has seen more than 3,000 people killed, with reports of beheadings, disembowelling of expectant mothers and other brutalities. This week, Defence and Security ministry chief public relations officer, Ofentse Thwabi said the SADC troops, known as the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) had moved to Scenario 5.

“Currently, the situation in Mozambique remain volatile and unpredictable, however some areas have seen relative calm and stability that could be exploited by other lines of support other than the military,” he said, in response to Mmegi enquiries. “The transition to Scenario 5 will allow for a multi-dimensional mission, while maintaining a robust military capability to deal with residual terrorists threats. “It will also accommodate other actors to assist with resources to leverage the gains made by the military component to bring the much needed peace and stability in Mozambique, the region and the world.”

Thwabi explained that the change acknowledges gains made to bring peace and stability in Cabo Delgado. “The Mission needs to be broadened to improve the livelihoods and socio-economic activities of the people of Cabo Delgado and Mozambique at large.

“As best practice, the change requires more troops to hold and control the pacified areas to prevent resurgence of terrorist activities as well as to reassure the civilian populace in the affected areas. “It also provides a conducive environment for other actors to function in furtherance of the prevailing security situation,” he said.

The change in tactics comes as statistics by civic organisations and media monitoring the conflict note that while casualties have generally declined since SAMIM’s deployment, violent incidents continue to take place around the troubled province. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) project, which has partnered with civic organisations in Mozambique, violence and brutal attacks continue in Cabo Delgado, and appeared to rise in August.

“ACLED recorded 58 organised political violence events in Cabo Delgado province in August, resulting in 63 reported fatalities,” reads the group’s latest report, covering August.

According to ACLED, the concentration of attacks was in Muidumbe and Nangade districts, in Cabo Delgado’s north, while fatalities were highest in Ancuabe district in the south.

“Muidumbe and Nangade districts, being sparsely populated and difficult to access, make safe havens for insurgents on the run from operations against bases previously established in Macomia district.

“The population that remains is scattered, and often vulnerable when foraging for food in small groups. “Southern districts such as Ancuabe are more densely populated and therefore perhaps more likely to have a greater number of victims.”

Thwabi said while SAMIM had recorded many successes since deploying, there were challenges such as “uncompromising terrain” thick forests and inadequate resources for the operations.

“Hence the transition to Scenario 5 multi-dimensional peacekeeping operations brings opportunity to lure support from other equally interested international entities, which may not have partaken in military kinetic activities, to come on board or contribute resources,” he said.

According to Thwabi, the change to Scenario 5 would not necessarily mean a change in the number of local troops deployed to Mozambique. He added that the change in scenarios provided an opportunity for other SADC member states to “come on board”. “Botswana is committed to work as a collective with other members of the SADC community, hence the composition and size of her deployment will be done through engagement and consultation with other member states.

“SAMIM exit strategy will be guided by the attainment of the set objectives key amongst them being to assist the Republic of Mozambique to defeat terrorism and bring peace and stability to the region,” he said.