UNODC supports Mozambique to build inter-agency cooperation and bring terrorists to justice

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UNODC supports Mozambique to build inter-agency cooperation and bring terrorists to justice

2:31 CAT | 28 Dec 2020

Photo: Twitter / @CesarGuedesF

Terrorism is a complex phenomenon.

It presents several challenges for States trying to effectively address its evolving threats. Therefore, countries must harness a coordinated government response to effectively prevent terrorism and bring terrorists to justice. Last week, UNODC and Germany supported Mozambique to respond to this challenge by further building its inter-agency cooperation to address the growing terrorist threat facing the country.

Building on the long-standing partnership with Mozambique, UNODC, together with the Office of the Attorney General of Mozambique, delivered an inter-agency workshop for representatives from key national agencies responsible for supporting Mozambique’s counter-terrorism efforts. The workshop sought to strengthen inter-agency collaboration to effectively investigate, prosecute and adjudicate terrorism cases with respect for the rule of law and human rights. The event took place on 9-11 December 2020 and was funded by Germany.

Wkshop on Govt Interagency Coop in 🇲🇿 on #counterterrorism cases 🙏 🇩🇪 with experts from 🇨🇦🇫🇷🇷🇪🇳🇪🇵🇹🇺🇸🇲🇺 35 participants in 5 places (presencial/online) @UNODC @UN_CTED @ONUMocambique @MiwaKatoEmpower @CandiceWelsch @CDinOT @UNODC_TPB @GermanyUNVienna @GermanyUN @MarcoTeixeiraUN pic.twitter.com/EgD8fhxvzo

— Cesar Guedes (@CesarGuedesF) December 11, 2020

As a result of the discussions during the event, representatives made important recommendations for strengthening inter-agency collaboration, including the continuation of capacity-building training for national officials.

Dr. Amabelia Chuquela, Deputy Attorney General, Office of the Mozambican Attorney General, closed the event by thanking UNODC for its support since 2019 in delivering training on the investigation, prosecution and adjudication to counter-terrorism and violent extremism leading to terrorism. She highlighted the importance of including all relevant actors in capacity-building activities and noted that “UNODC’s support to continue providing training to all relevant authorities who have not yet received training across the country would be of great importance.” She encouraged participants to share knowledge gained during the seminar with other colleagues, adding “we should all unite our efforts […] to prevent and fight terrorism and violent extremism.”

Mr. Ingmar Kreisl, Deputy Head of Cooperation, Embassy of Germany to Mozambique, highlighted Germany’s support for Mozambique during the opening of the workshop, noting that “these international platforms are of extreme importance to convey a holistic approach to counter terrorism based on the principles of the rule of law and international law. We are very glad to continue our cooperation with UNODC which has proven time and time again that it plays an eminent role to exchange best practices and to strengthen very specific and important capacities to address global terrorism threats.”

Mr. Cesar Guedes, UNODC Representative to Mozambique, thanked the Governments of Mozambique and Germany for their partnership, highlighting that UNODC hopes to continue its counter-terrorism support to the country. Mr. Guedes concluded his remarks by saying “I hope that this workshop has provided you with a better understanding of how various jurisdictions approach these complex issues. Supporting inter-agency collaboration is a complex challenge where there is not only one right solution, but which must be tailored to the needs and realities of each country. We thank you for your efforts in brainstorming with us ways to strengthen Mozambique’s inter-agency response to violent extremism and terrorism facing the country and to successfully bringing terrorists to justice with respect for the rule of law and human rights.”

The workshop benefited from the expertise provided by representatives from Canada, France, Mauritius, Niger, Portugal and the United States as well as from UNODC and the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. Mozambique was represented by the Office of the Attorney General, National Criminal Investigation Service, Defence Armed Forces, Mozambique Republic Police, Legal and Judicial Training Center, National Council for Defence and Security, Financial Investigation Unit and the Mozambican Security and Intelligence Service.

Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime / Press Release