大象传媒

There's mounting regional concern about the ongoing Islamist insurgency in the Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique, with reports suggesting that 50 people were beheaded in a recent atrocity.

Hundreds of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands more displaced in the last three years as extremists battle the government for control.

In the latest development, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said his country is ready to help its neighbour fight the insurgency.

So is it time other regional powers got involved?

Dr Eduardo Namburete is a member of parliament and adviser to Mozambique's opposition RENAMO party. He says it might be time for a wider regional effort led by the Southern African Development Community (SADC):

"The Government must address the parliament explaining to what extent this support from SADC is being requested... I wouldn't be very supportive of.... individual countries intervening in Mozambique but if it is the region as SADC then I think it is welcome support"

(Photo: Library photo of SADC troops taking part in military exercises. Credit: Getty Images)

Show less