Islamic State at SA’s door: Mozambique investments under threat – expert insights

As insurgents threaten to hamper the development of the reserves of natural gas found off the coast of northern Mozambique, the government has asked the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene. So far, the South African government has kept mum on the matter, although rumours suggest otherwise. BizNews talks to Liesl-Louw-Vaudran of the Institute for Security Studies, and Leigh Elston, an industry analyst, to gain further insight from experts on the situation. – Jarryd Neves

South Africa is watching the events in the northern parts of Mozambique closely, where ISIS is threatening the development of the liquified natural gas that has been found off the coast at Cabo Delgado. The government of Mozambique – that is ill-equipped to deal with the insurgents – has asked the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for help. But there has been no official response from the South African government – although it has been discussed behind closed doors in parliamentary committees. There are also rumours circulating in Parliament that maritime units from Simon's Town have been moved to KwaZulu-Natal, to prepare to be deployed near the naval base of Pemba. Liesl Louw-Vaudran, from the Institute for Security Studies, told the BizNews Midweek Catch-up Webinar that there is pressure on the members of SADC – including South Africa – to become involved militarily in Mozambique.

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