Mozambique: Joint teams for maritime surveillance

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Mozambique: Joint teams for maritime surveillance

1:54 CAT | 01 Aug 2024

Image: Notícias

Maritime surveillance operations will now be carried out by multi-sectoral teams, with a view to reducing the costs of activities, improving performance and preventing the occurrence of illegal acts in territorial waters.

To this end, the government, meeting in its 23rd Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers, assessed and approved the regulation establishing the functions, organisation and operating regime of the Marine Surveillance Operations Coordination Centre (CEFMAR).

In a statement received by ‘Notícias’, the government states that the legal instrument now approved aims fundamentally to enable efficient and effective surveillance of maritime space, including navigable, lake and river waters, as well as the exercise of state authority at sea and inland waters.

Leonild Chimarizane, spokesperson for the National Institute for Maritime Inspection (INAMAR), explained to ‘Notícias’ that the start of operations of this centre would be a great gain for the institution and the country, since several institutions would be represented.

“In fact, the inspection will be carried out in an integrated manner, that is, instead of each institution carrying out operations individually, CEFMAR requires that this activity be carried out in an integrated manner. The start of operations of this institution will allow greater rationalization of human and material resources,” he said.

What is desired, according to him, is that the State, at all levels, be duly represented on a single vessel.

A single vessel will house technicians from Customs, for issues related to smuggling, for example; the Criminal Investigation Services (SERNIC); the Coastal Police; Immigration (SENAMI); and INAMAR, among other forces, but each in their own area.

He also explained that INAMAR teams currently do not act when they come across a drug trafficking situation, as it is not within their jurisdiction, and they must only report it to the competent authorities.

In the same session, the Council of Ministers considered and approved the decree that creates the Palma-Quirimbas Environmental Protection Area, in the province of Cabo Delgado, intended for the preservation and protection of marine, terrestrial and coastal species and their habitats.

The decree aims to contribute to the restoration of ecological processes, renewal of natural resources and the maintenance of the biological diversity of Palma-Quirimbas.

Source: Notícias