The Impact of Regional Security Assistance Coalitions on Local Stabilization: A Comparative Analysis of SAMIM Operations in Cabo Delgado

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 15, No. 7, June 2024 | pp. 55–63

DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/150701

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: The Impact of Regional Security Assistance Coalitions on Local Stabilization: A Comparative Analysis of SAMIM Operations in Cabo Delgado

Authors: Sibusiso K. Khumalo¹, Marie-Therese Haddad²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Public Law, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; ²Department of Conflict and Development Studies, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Abstract:
The Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) operates within an asymmetric security environment where multinational forces face fluid networks of localized insurgent factions. This paper evaluates the operational effectiveness of SAMIM's security assistance mandate, focusing on the structural limits of regional versus localized force deployments from 2021 to 2023. Drawing on field data and key informant interviews with 44 local community leaders and international aid workers, we analyze the tactical constraints limiting regional military interventions. The findings reveal that while concentrated international deployments protect immediate gas infrastructure hubs, they leave surrounding agricultural zones exposed to predatory militia raids. Statistical analysis indicates that rural territories dependent on distant static security garrisons report a 48% higher rate of community displacement following localized skirmishes. The study demonstrates that a lack of coordinated language-translation capacity, combined with severe vehicle maintenance backlogs, prevents proactive patrolling beyond major processing plants. We conclude that enhancing civilian safety requires transforming regional security frameworks to prioritize highly mobile, decentralized tactical units.

Keywords: SAMIM Operations; Cabo Delgado; Regional Stabilization; Asymmetric Warfare; Security Assistance; Insurgency

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 02, 2022; Revised: July 28, 2022; Accepted: September 15, 2022; Published: June 20, 2024

Citation: Khumalo, S. K., & Haddad, M. T. (2024). The Impact of Regional Security Assistance Coalitions on Local Stabilization: A Comparative Analysis of SAMIM Operations in Cabo Delgado. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 15(7), 55–63. DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/150701

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