Portugal helps Mozambique to promote a peaceable community, especially in the North African region of Mozambique. The Cabo Delgado province has been a war zone for the better part of this year. But not to worry anymore. Portugal president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi on Friday struck a deal. A deal that would see an upgrade to the security forces of Mozambique. President Marcelo offered to help the Mozambique military forces to enable them to combat insecurity issues in the country. Portugal’s help to Mozambique signifies strong ties between the two states.
Violence in Mozambique
This year, in early April, a group of Islamists group waged war in Xitaxi, Muidumbe District, Cabo Delgado Province. 52 male fatalities were recorded as a result. This was after they refused to join the ranks. Seven months later, the militant Islamists make another comeback in the same province. This time, damages being more than the previous encounter.
A total of 50 fatalities from several villages were recorded. People were left homeless as a result of burnt houses. Women were as well abducted. This raid definitely caught the attention of the world. The UN secretary-general Mr. Guterres strongly condemned the massacres. The act is a total violation of human rights, which the UN stands for.
Portugal`s Contribution
With tensions rising due to the surging conflicts in the country, help was in need. Mozambique thus made contact with the European Union. Mozambique sought advanced training on their military and security forces to enable them to tackle the group. In response, Portugal stepped up to help its former colony.
According to the Defense Minister for Portugal, Joao Gomes Cravinho, the authorities will be the main target. In supporting the Mozambique authorities, Cravinho believes, it will help in exercising their sovereignty. Power is all it takes to acquire dominion over rebels. Moreover, in drawing power to the authority, Portugal will train local soldiers and marines.
International take on Mozambique attacks
The U.S apparently is taking the attacks on Mozambique seriously. In fact, the coordinator for counterterrorism at the US state department now views the group as a global threat. According to Nathan Sales, the coordinator, the group is associated with an Islamic state hence fits to be a global terrorist threat. Moreover, Mozambique will be better placed in receiving help from Portugal from January 2021. This is because the European Union presidency will be from Portugal, as affirmed by Cravinho.
More:
- Mozambique Retakes Muidumbe Village, Site of Reported Beheadings
- The UN Calls for Investigations Towards Mozambique Killings
- Suspected Islamic Militants Behead Villagers in Mozambique
