Local Force asks for food and more weapons to fight terrorism in Cabo Delgado

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Local Force asks for food and more weapons to fight terrorism in Cabo Delgado

1:44 CAT | 18 Jul 2022

Photo: O País

Hunger and lack of weapons are some of the difficulties that National Liberation Struggle veterans supporting the Mozambican state in the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado province are facing, O País reports. Their concerns were presented to the President of the Republic during his recent visit to the town of Mueda.

“We want more weapons, and we are seeking authorization to actively pursue these bandits, because, so far, we are only on the defensive,” said one volunteer.

The so-called ‘Local Force’ needs more weapons, but one of the biggest obstacles in the fight against terrorism is the lack of food.

“Regardless of conditions, we will continue to fight the terrorists, but we are asking for food; because of this combat, we are producing nothing,” another former freedom fighter complained.

The concerns were presented to the Minister of Combatants and the Secretary General of Veterans of War, who promised solutions to some of the problems affecting the Local Force.

“We are not oblivious to your difficulties, and we will do everything we can to solve your problems,” promised Minister of Combatants Josefina Mpelo, whose words were echoed by Fernando Faustino, secretary general of the Association of Combatants of the National Liberation Struggle (ACLLN).

The President of the Republic acknowledged the veterans’ concerns and promised solutions.

“You had already told me some of your concerns, but it is taking time to find a solution because of bureaucracy, and there are those who do not understand. We started with the training of the young people who worked with you and, soon, the rest will be taken care of,” President Nyusi promised.

To prove his commitment to the fight against terrorism and the fight for peace in Mozambique, the President of the Republic explained the reasons for his frequent visits to Cabo Delgado.

“I am here (in Mueda) or in Macomia and Ancuabe on almost a monthly or bi-monthly basis, because, as Commander-in-Chief, I have to be where the forces are, so don’t get tired of [seeing] me,” the president said.

During his visit to the Local Force headquarters in Mueda, President Nyusi said that he was open to any help in the fight against terrorism and for the restoration of peace. “If there are other forces in Mozambique and in the world that are there to help in the fight against terrorism, we would be grateful,” he said.

In Mueda, in addition to meeting the ‘Força Local,’ Filipe Nyusi met Frelimo party members, from whom he sought continuing vigilance.

The visit of the President of the Republic to Cabo Delgado takes place at a time when the armed group has spread its actions to the south of the province.

By Hizidine Acha

Source: O País