South African soldiers to continue operating in Mozambique
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday extended the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to fulfill South Africa's “international obligation” to the Southern African Development Community’s maritime security.
He said the deployment is to counter the threat of piracy and other related illegal activities in the Indian Ocean.
It will last until 31 March 2023 and is expected to cost US$10 million.
The President indicated that the 200 South African soldiers will be utilised for the operation.
The troops were first deployed in 2011, after a series of piracy attacks off the coast of Mozambique. The patrols by South Africa's navy are expected to help reduce incidents of piracy around southern Africa.
-0- PANA CU/MA 8April2022
