The deputy dean of research at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences , Lindy Heinecken, warned that drones have become an essential part of the arsenals of insurgents operating in various countries on the African continent, expressing concern about their proliferation and misuse.
The representative of the institution, located in the city of Stellenbosch, South Africa, explained that in Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, rebels use the devices to track the movements of government troops and plan attacks on targets, a phenomenon that is also seen in the DRCongo.
‘Drones have become more affordable and widely available. They are no longer weapons controlled exclusively by the state. Anyone can arm a drone. They can be used by individuals and groups with malicious intent, just as they can be equipped with various weapons, namely explosive, chemical or biological charges, and are a significant threat,’ said the researcher quoted by Engineering News.
In terms of national security, Heinecken clarified that the devices increase surveillance capabilities, allowing the monitoring of sensitive military and government installations, but that they can raise concerns about transparency and accountability.
“Drones have become more affordable and widely available.They are no longer weapons controlled exclusively by the state.Anyone can arm a drone.They can be used by individuals and groups with malicious intent, just as they can be equipped with various weapons, namely explosive, chemical or biological charges, making them a significant threat.”
‘While they can prevent terrorist and enemy attacks, they also create a significant backlash. Citizens, particularly in democratic societies, don’t want to be subject to constant surveillance, as it fosters mistrust and suspicion,’ he emphasised.
In March, Parliament approved, by consensus and in general, the Law on Surveys and Aerial Cinematography for Civilian Purposes, which gives the Minister of Defence the power to authorise the use of drones by national and foreign companies.
‘It is up to the minister who oversees the area of National Defence to authorise the execution of surveys and aerial cinematography in national territory. The law establishes that the original films or data acquired as a result of aerial photography carried out in the country by the private sector and foreign companies constitute state property,’ said a document released at the time.
‘In the event of infringements of the impositions contained in the law, penalties are imposed such as the retention of the aircraft, the imposition of fines and a temporary ban on carrying out aerial surveys in the national territory, notwithstanding the civil or criminal liability of the offender,’ it said.
Cabo Delgado province has been facing terrorist attacks for more than six years, which led to a military response since July 2021, with support from Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community, liberating districts near the gas projects.
After a period of relative stability, new attacks and movements were recorded in the first few months of the year, leading foreign entities to restrict travel to that part of the country.
