Mozambique: Special unit to combat terrorism, kidnappings not yet operational

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: Special unit to combat terrorism, kidnappings not yet operational

3:52 CAT | 28 Nov 2022

Photo: O País

Minister of the Interior Arsénia Massingue says that the training of PRM Special Forces to combat terrorism, kidnappings and drug and human trafficking, which began in November 2021, is still underway, explaining that the anticipated six-month training schedule was extended due to the complexity of operations.

In November last year, Commander General of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique Bernardino Rafael announced the start of training of a ‘Special Force’ to combat terrorism, kidnapping, drugs and human trafficking.

At the time, Bernardino Rafael explained the importance of the task force in the light of the level of threats that the country is experiencing.

“This training is [designed] to respond to the current challenges facing the country and to comply with the guidelines of the President of the Republic, Commander-in-Chief of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS), who determined that the FDS must be trained in order to improve its response in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and kidnappings, crimes that, at this moment, are creating disorder in Mozambican society,” Ragael said on 11 November last year (2021) at the Macandzene Special Forces Training School in Manhiça, Maputo province.

Bernardino Rafael said at the time that the formation of the force would take six months, meaning it was expected to be ready for action by last June. The Minister of the Interior was now explaining the reasons for the delay.

“The creation of an anti-terrorism brigade is a very complex matter, and the formation process is ongoing. Mozambique contacted several partners to carry out this training and it is currently ongoing,” Minister Massingue explained

Asked about any new deadlines, given that over a year has passed since it’s the force’s launch, Massingue replied: “Training continues. I cannot say for how long.”

Concerning the usefulness of surveillance cameras installed on public roads in different parts of the country, the minister gave assurances that they were helping to clarify aspects of some recent kidnapping events.

Source: O País