President Daniel Chapo on Friday, 25 April, called on Mozambique's Defence and Security Forces (FDS) to become a modern, disciplined, and technologically equipped force capable of responding to present and future threats, speaking at a ceremony held in Inhambane city.
Chapo was addressing the nation in the context of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the national liberation struggle and the 51st anniversary of the Armed Forces of Defence of Mozambique (FADM).
"The situation in Cabo Delgado must change. Do everything possible to ensure our FADM are better prepared to deal with the threats of the present and the future," the head of state said.
According to President Chapo, the FADM are called upon to combat terrorism, extremism, and violent crime, drug and arms trafficking, human trafficking, cross-border criminality, and threats to maritime security. The list also includes cybercrime, disinformation, the spread of rumours, threats to critical infrastructure, climate change, and natural disasters — challenges that demand a significantly enhanced response capacity from the security forces.
"We know that our Defence and Security Forces have been making a great effort to combat these threats. For that, they deserve recognition," the President said.
The government considers that the FADM have sustained the fight against terrorism and worked to prevent the phenomenon from reaching alarming proportions. According to the executive, forces from Rwanda, Tanzania, and local troops have contributed to the improvement of the security situation in Cabo Delgado.
"The resumption of major gas projects in the Rovuma Basin represents a major vote of confidence in security. We know that terrorism has not ended, but large-scale operations that were once occupying several towns in districts in the northern part of Cabo Delgado province have been reduced," Chapo said.
At present, terrorist groups have shifted towards tactics involving small, dispersed, and highly mobile cells, relying on ambushes, improvised explosive devices, kidnappings, and looting — including for the purpose of extracting ransoms.
"The progress achieved in Cabo Delgado shows that we are recovering the strategic initiative. However, the adaptive nature of this threat demands that we maintain heightened vigilance among our people and increase our collective readiness," the President emphasised.
Chapo argued that the FADM can do more in the fight against emerging threats, and urged military personnel to draw inspiration from the history of Mozambican resistance — stretching back to the pre-colonial era — whenever they face hardship.
He also highlighted the resistance of the Maravi kingdom, which refused to pay the hut tax, before asserting that the armed forces must keep pace with a transforming world. "Today we need a modern, disciplined, technologically prepared force that is connected to the people," he said.
Inhambane city also hosted cultural activities and a display of the Mozambican Army's military arsenal. As part of the celebrations, 678 citizens were decorated across the national territory, including veterans of the national liberation struggle and individuals distinguished for their contributions in various fields.
Source: Agência de Informação de Moçambique
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=547600
