Speaking in Maputo, at the opening of a meeting of the National Council of the Youth Organization of Mozambique (OJM), the youth wing of the ruling party, Frelimo, Chapo said that the Mozambican Defense and Security Forces, with the support of their regional allies (from Rwanda and Tanzania), have made significant advances in the fight against the jihadist insurgency, recovering areas previously occupied by terrorists.
“Today no city in Cabo Delgado is occupied by these enemies of the Mozambican people,” he declared.
Chapo stated that terrorist groups are now constantly on the run due to military pressure, although they are still capable of launching sporadic attacks. Although terrorism has not been eliminated, he said the situation has improved enough for many of those displaced from their homes to return to their areas of origin.
Chapo added that in the last six months, no cases of kidnapping have been confirmed. “This new reality is a determining factor for confidence and investment by national and foreign companies”, he said, remembering that putting an end to the wave of kidnappings was one of the promises he made in his inaugural speech, in January 2005.
Chapo also placed young people at the center of Mozambique’s digital transformation. The technological changes of the 21st century, he said, should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat.
He called on OJM to raise awareness among young Mozambicans about the productive use of technology. “Young people must be pioneers and not followers in this digital transition,” said Chapo.
He called for the responsible use of social media, warning of the risks of misinformation and digital manipulation. “Digital platforms are powerful,” he said, but if used irresponsibly, “they can destroy reputations, sow hatred and destabilize nations.”
OJM should set an example, appealed Chapo. “The voice of OJM on social media must be the voice of reason, solidarity and responsibility”, he said, “and never the voice of hatred or division”.
The President also wanted young Mozambicans to fight against gender-based violence, which he described as “one of the most painful injuries affecting the country”.
Chapo promised that the Mozambican state will wage an unrelenting war against sexual abuse, child marriage and the murder of women. Young people, he said, should report such abuses and promote relationships based on mutual respect.
(AIM)
Pf/ (428)
