UN Counter-terrorism unit available to support Mozambique combat violence in Cabo Delgado

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UN Counter-terrorism unit available to support Mozambique combat violence in Cabo Delgado

3:29 CAT | 12 Jul 2019

Photo: Lusa

UN Secretary-General António Guterres yesterday announced that the UN Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force was available to help Mozambique combat the armed groups carrying out attacks in Cabo Delgado in the north of the country.

“I had the opportunity to express to the President of Mozambique the total availability of our Counterterrorism and Prevention of Violent Extremism unit to collaborate, as we are doing with many African countries, with the Mozambican authorities,” António Guterres said after being welcomed by President Nyusi as part of his official visit to the country.

The UN’s unit’s is available to collaborate with the authorities “in particular by creating the conditions, especially among younger members of the population, to take positive action fighting extremism, fighting radicalisation and not being victims of extremism or radicalisation,” said Guterres. “On that, Mozambique can also count on the full support of the United Nations,” added the UN Secretary General..

President Filipe Nyusi, quoted by AIM, said: “The experience that the Secretary-General has transmitted to us about combining combat forces was interesting. Also about other activities that encourage stability, so that people feel they are all included in the development process.”

The province of Cabo Delgado, scene of intense activity by multinational oil companies involved in natural gas projects there, has been targeted by armed men since October 2017, killing more than 200 people, including residents, alleged assailants and elements of the security forces.

The Mozambican government has presented several versions of violence in the region, including religious motivations, warning of the involvement of young people from local communities who have been seduced by “false promises”.

In addition to the support in the fight against the attacks in Cabo Delgado, Guterres expressed the openness of the United Nations to help the country in the negotiations between the Mozambican government and the main opposition force in the country, the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), which fell into military conflict shortly after the last general elections of 2014.

“Without peace, development is always difficult,” Guterres stressed, highlightinig the role of the current Swiss ambassador and chairman of the contact group in the negotiations, Mirko Manzoni.

The Mozambican government and Renamo are hoping to sign an agreement by the first week of August, ahead of the October 15 general election in Mozambique.

Source: Lusa