SA extends defence mission to combat Indian Ocean piracy

South Africa’s government extended a defence force mission to help combat piracy and other illicit activity in the Indian Ocean.

The 12-month extension, which will run until the end of March next year, will involve 200 personnel and is expected to cost R154 million, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a letter to parliament that was made public on Friday.

While piracy off Africa’s coastline has mainly been concentrated near Somalia and more recently offshore West Africa, ships have also been targeted in Mozambican waters. South Africa has conducted patrols in the Mozambican channel to help protect trade vessels since 2011.

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