Troops deployed to Mozambique

MAPUTO: Southern African nations yesterday approved deployment of troops to Mozambique to help combat an escalating, Islamic Statelinked insurgency that threatens stability in the relatively peaceful region, the bloc’s executive secretary said.

The 16-member Southern African Development Community has been grappling with how to respond to the conflict, which began in October 2017 and has since killed thousands. Almost 800000 people have been displaced and the fighting has bought a $20-billion gas project led by oil giant Total to a halt.

SADC has approved the deployment of its standby force, following a meeting of the bloc’s leaders in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo. The standby force is part of a regional defence pact.