The US government intends to make 22 million dollars (20.3 million euros) available this year in new funds to support “stabilisation efforts” in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, the US Embassy in Maputo announced today.
In a statement on the conclusion of the visit to Mozambique, from 17 to 21 March, by the Assistant Secretary of the State Department’s Office of Conflict and Stabilisation Operations, Anne A. Witkowsky, the embassy said that the provision of these funds, announced by the official, still depends on congressional approval.
“With this investment, the United States will have dedicated almost 100 million dollars (92.4 million euros) in stability-focused assistance to northern Mozambique since 2022. This funding complements the broader development and humanitarian assistance provided by the United States throughout the country,” reads the statement.
“Mozambique’s progress towards sustainable peace is essential for the economic prosperity of all Mozambicans and for the security of the region,” said Assistant Secretary Witkowsky, quoted in the same statement.
“The United States is committed to supporting Mozambican partners to advance an integrated effort for peace and stability in Cabo Delgado and the surrounding provinces – emphasising civilian protection, access to justice, inclusive economic development, and transparent and democratic governance,” Witkowsky added.
During her visit to Mozambique, the Assistant Secretary met with the Minister of Justice, Helena Kida, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Manuel José Gonçalves, civil society leaders, journalists, representatives of the private sector, non-governmental organisations and other diplomatic partners “working for peace in northern Mozambique”.
In April 2022, US President Joe Biden announced the selection of Mozambican as a “priority country” for the strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability.
In collaboration with local partners, the United States says it is mobilising diplomatic support, development assistance and security sector involvement “to prevent violence, promote stability and build resilience through locally-led solutions in Cabo Delgado and neighbouring provinces”.
He adds that ongoing programmes supported by the US are providing training for Mozambican government officials to deliver services, support for community radio stations, promotion of social cohesion and, among others, through the construction of the new secondary school in the city of Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado province.
Cabo Delgado province has been facing an armed insurgency for six years, with some attacks claimed by the extremist group Islamic State.
After a slight lull in 2023, these attacks have multiplied in recent weeks, creating around 100,000 displaced people in February alone, as well as a trail of destruction, death and mismatched families.
