The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has confirmed the initiation of troop withdrawal from Cabo Delgado province, with plans for a complete exit by July 15 this year. The decision was made following a visit by SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi to Cabo Delgado, where SADC troops have been combating insurgents since July 2021. The withdrawal, scheduled to conclude by July 15, was decided upon in August 2023. This announcement marks the first public confirmation of the withdrawal process, which is already underway. Despite the mission's mandate to address terrorism and restore order, the withdrawal occurs amid escalating insurgent attacks and as TotalEnergies' $20 billion liquefied natural gas project is set to resume operations.