Mozambique: AU to provide US$100,000 for IDPs, military training for FDS – O País

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Mozambique: AU to provide US$100,000 for IDPs, military training for FDS – O País

7:00 CAT | 10 Sep 2021

File photo: O País

The African Union (AU) will provide around US$100,000 to support those displaced by the terrorist attacks in Cabo Delgado province, and promises assistance in military training to the Defence and Security Forces (FDS).

Information on AU monetary support and Defence and Security Force training was provided by visiting Chairperson of the AU Subcommittee on Refugees, Displaced Persons and Humanitarian Affairs, Andrew Bangali, and by Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye.

Meeting this Wednesday with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Verónica Macamo, the AU representatives said that the African Union was aware of the predicament of the population of Cabo Delgado, not least because terrorism poses a threat across the continent.

Concretely, Andrew Bangali, who is also Sierra Leone’s ambassador to Mozambique, singled out humanitarian assistance as a priority, with the needs of displaced people increasing every day.

“Our contribution is to complement Government work already underway. That is why the representatives of the Subcommittee on Refugees, Displaced Persons and Humanitarian Affairs and of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security are in the country,” Bangali said.

Some parts of Cabo Delgado province are already liberated, as a result of the foreign forces intervening to support the end of armed violence in the region, but it is too soon to claim victory.

In response to this challenge, the African Union also expressed its intention to train the FDS and help to quell terrorist attacks.

“We are here to contribute to training. The minister [Verónica Macamo] spoke of coordinated and sustainable actions against terrorism. As we know, the SADC Standby Forces are part of the African Union, hence the need for the AU to support the initiative,” said Bankole Adeoye.

In turn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Verónica Macamo pointed out that the aid from the African Union comes at an opportune moment, especially as Mozambique is preparing to assume the presidency of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union in October.

“In addition to the African Union coming to see what is happening on the ground up close, it is an opportunity for us to count on the organisation both in our race for chairmanship of the Peace and Security Council and also as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” Minister Macamo said.

The African Union mission is visiting Mozambique for five days, during which time it will travel to the province of Cabo Delgado for the symbolic delivery of its donation. It will also hold meetings with the Ministers of Defence, Jaime Neto, and of the Interior, Amade Miquidade.

By Precidonio Silverio

Pleased to receive comprehensive briefing from the Head of Mission and the Force Commander of #SADC Standby Force Mission in #Mozambique (SAMIM), on their ongoing operations in the Northern part of the country. The AU stands in full solidarity with the government and people of 🇲🇿 pic.twitter.com/fV4VIiVf86

— Amb. Bankole Adeoye (@Bankole_Adeoye) September 9, 2021