The National Defense and Security Council (CNDS) said on Wednesday (18) that the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) had expelled “terrorists” from Nampula province and limited their criminal activities in Cabo Delgado, in the north of the country. The body highlighted progress in combating insecurity but warned of new challenges.
In a statement released after the meeting chaired by the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, the CNDS praised the performance of the FDS in ensuring security in the provinces affected by attacks attributed to terrorist groups.
Despite the progress made, the council expressed concern about the resurgence of public disorder in some cities, considering that the situation requires increased attention from the authorities.
Given this scenario, the body urged the FDS to “combat crime more vigorously, with a view to restoring public security and tranquility,” stressing the need for a firm response to threats to internal order.
The CNDS also argued that “strong measures must be taken, such as strengthening patrols and allocating forces in proportion to the challenges facing the country,” in order to adapt the available resources to current demands.
With regard to arms control, the council expressed concern about the prevalence of crimes committed with firearms and recommended strengthening measures to monitor state-owned weapons.
It also advocated intensifying efforts to recover weapons in the hands of unauthorized persons, with the aim of reducing armed crime and strengthening public security.
Meanwhile, Mozambique faces challenges of “political and social polarization” and “terrorism,” according to Minister of Planning and Development Salim Valá, who praised the contribution of northern European countries in the search for solutions.
The gas-rich province of Cabo Delgado has been the target of extremist attacks for eight years, since the first was recorded on October 5, 2017, in the district of Mocímboa da Praia, with incursions also occurring in Niassa, which borders that province.
Source: Lusa
