President Daniel Chapo stated this Monday (the 13th) in Maputo that Mozambique has had no reported cases of kidnapping for six months, emphasizing that improved security is boosting confidence and attracting domestic and foreign investment.
The President was speaking at the opening of the 2nd National Council of the Mozambican Youth Organization (OJM) of the Mozambican Liberation Front (Frelimo, the ruling party), where he highlighted the positive evolution of the security situation in the country.
“Mozambique has gone six months without any cases of kidnapping confirmed by the authorities,” declared the head of state, emphasizing that this represents a trend toward stability.
According to Daniel Chapo, this stability fulfills the promise he made at his inauguration in January 2025 and is beginning to restore confidence among the national and international business community, which has been the primary target of this type of crime.
The President also noted that kidnappings have claimed the lives of approximately 150 businesspeople over the past 12 years, according to data previously released by the business sector, which has contributed to the deterioration of the business climate in the country.
“This new reality is beginning to emerge as a key factor in shaping the confidence and investment decisions of the national and international business community,” he noted.
On March 15 in Brussels, Daniel Chapo had already stated that the authorities were working with “calm and composure” to curb this type of crime, emphasizing its negative impact on attracting foreign investment.
“We had situations where foreigners wanted to invest in Mozambique but ended up not doing so because of these specific crimes. We are working calmly and serenely to combat this evil,” the President declared.
According to the head of state, the Portuguese businessman released on March 10 was the only hostage still being held captive in the country, which, he said, demonstrates a significant reduction in such cases.
Data from the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) indicate that approximately 300 people involved in kidnapping cases have been arrested since 2010, the year the first records of this crime in Mozambique were made.
Source: Lusa
