
Maputo, 16 Jul (AIM) – Mozambique’s National Defence and Security Council (CNDS) has urged the Mozambican Police (PRM) and the competent authorities to step up investigations into drug trafficking networks in order to mitigate their impact on citizens, especially young people.
A statement released by the CNDS after a meeting held in Maputo on Monday, chaired by President Filipe Nyusi, expressed its concern about the proliferation and transit of drugs through Mozambican territory and the growing number of kidnapping cases.
“The Council noted with concern the prevalence of crimes involving the kidnapping of economic agents, which contributes to the retraction of investment, and called on the competent authorities to give greater impetus to combating this evil”, read the statement.
The CNDS also assessed the fight against Islamist terrorists in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, observing that the Mozambican Defence and Security Forces (FDS) have improved the security situation in the Northern Operational Theatre, which has contributed to the recovery of the security and well-being of the population.
It urged Nyusi to continue reforms of the defence and security forces, so as “to improve national security ate various levels”
Nyusi expressed his appreciation for the generals of the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) who have passed onto the reserve list, “after complying with the noble task of defending the security of Mozambicans”.
The CNDS also approved the promotion of ten PRM officers, two to the rank of First Deputy Police Commissioner and eight to the rank of Deputy Police Commissioner.
The CNDS is a body, set up under the Constitution, which advises the President on matters of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the defence of the democratically instituted power.
It must be consulted on any declaration of war, and give its opinion on any state of siege or state of emergency. None of these events have ever occurred in Mozambican history.
The CNDS must also accompany initiatives of other State bodies seeking to consolidate national independence, strengthen democratic political power and maintain law and order.
(AIM)
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