Chimoio, Mozambique, Feb. 20, 2026 (Lusa) - The Mozambican president on Friday called on the defence and security forces to combat terrorism as a condition for achieving economic independence, warning that the defence of the territory "cannot be delegated" and is everyone's responsibility.
"As we mark the beginning of a new operational year, it is essential that the Ministry of National Defence and the General Staff of the Mozambique armed forces take on the fight against terrorism as a strategic mission, so that this evil does not jeopardise the realisation of the great dream of the Mozambican nation, which is to achieve economic independence," said Daniel Chapo.
The head of state was speaking in Manica, a province in the centre of the country, during the opening of the military operational year, in which he argued that modern and strategic preparation of the armed forces is imperative, calling for the fight against terrorism, a phenomenon which, he said, has ramifications and complex operations at national and international level, and recalling that it is a condition for economic independence.
"We know, however, that we will not achieve economic independence without robust defence and peace. Peace and security are key conditions for achieving economic independence for the Mozambican people," he said, calling for concrete action.
The gas-rich province of Cabo Delgado has been the target of extremist attacks for eight years, with the first attack recorded on 5 October 2017 in the region of Mocímboa da Praia, with incursions also recorded in the neighbouring provinces of Niassa and Nampula.
Chapo demanded well-trained armed forces with operational superiority, sustainable logistics, communications interoperability, a strong air, sea and land component, and a strong force protection capability.
The Mozambican head of state called on the armed forces to continue to prioritise military and strategic cooperation, participating in joint missions, multinational exercises and information sharing, strengthening operational capacity and international prestige, while indicating, however, that the mission is to protect the country.
"In this exercise of cooperation, we must never delegate our sovereignty. The defence of the homeland cannot be delegated. The defence of Mozambique is primarily the responsibility of Mozambicans. Friendly forces come to assist us and are welcome," he stressed.
The Mozambican president also wants the armed forces to defend natural resources and the environment, especially in the central province of Manica, where mining companies have already been suspended due to the harmful effects of their activity.
Before the opening ceremony of the military operational year, the Mozambican head of state issued an order dismissing Eugénio Mutaca from his position as commander of the Navy and appointing Bernardo Nchokomala to the post after promoting him to rear admiral.
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