The United Nations has issued a call for Mozambique to prioritize human rights in its ongoing battle against terrorism. UN special rapporteur Ben Saul emphasized the importance of not only focusing on a military approach but also addressing the root causes of terrorism after concluding his lengthy examination in Mozambique. Saul acknowledged the progress made in stabilizing regions once dominated by terrorist groups, allowing displaced populations to return. He commended Mozambique’s comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy that extends beyond mere militarization to tackle factors such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and corruption. Read more.
Mozambique’s struggle with terrorism is most acute in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, where an insurgency linked to the Islamic State has been ongoing since 2017. The conflict’s ramifications extend to the civilians, with violations by terrorist groups including violence and forced recruitment, particularly affecting women and children. Saul expressed concern about these abuses and stressed the need for accountability mechanisms within Mozambique’s security forces to prevent and prosecute such human rights violations. The local security group, Força Local, is under scrutiny due to the necessity for enhanced training and effective control measures to prevent further abuses.
While Mozambique continues to tackle these challenges, Saul highlighted criticisms of its anti-terrorism legal framework, which contains broad definitions of terrorism and grants extensive administrative and security powers. These aspects might infringe on fundamental rights, emphasizing the need for legal reforms to align with international human rights standards. The recommendation to ensure counter-terrorism financing measures remain proportionate and risk-based, especially concerning non-profit organizations, is a crucial element of the UN’s critique.
The international community’s role cannot be understated, as emphasized in Saul’s plea for sustained political and financial backing for Mozambique. The recent reduction in funding threatens to extend an already protracted conflict, signaling an urgent need for unwavering international cooperation and support. According to Saul, the ongoing conflict poses a risk to essential services, as highlighted by reports of military occupation affecting access to education in conflict areas.
Amid these challenges, the UN’s call highlights a broader perspective on counter-terrorism efforts, urging Mozambique and its partners to balance security with human rights, thus fostering a sustainable and just resolution to the conflict.