Maputo, 23 Feb (AIM) – Mozambican President Daniel Chapo on Monday swore into office 19 high ranking military and police officers.
Promotion to officer rank “is an honour and a privilege, but it represents, above all, a great institutional and patriotic responsibility”, said Chapo.
The task of the officer class, he stressed, “is to think, design, lead and implement innovative strategies for strengthening national security, and political, social and economic stabilisation”.
“Your promotion is not an accident”, said the President. “It is the result of careful assessment of your performance, your merit, your service of the Mozambican people, your integrity as public servants, and your commitment to public service”.
Chapo said the promotions are part of “the reorganisation of the State machinery in order to imprint greater dynamism, efficiency and effectiveness on governance, within the targets laid down for the 2025-2029 period”.
Chapo told the officers that “by investing in you, we are stating unequivocally our confidence in your capacity to lead, guide and strengthen the national defence system, as an essential pillar for the construction of a strong, stable, secure and prosperous state”.
The most senior of the officers promoted on Monday is Rear-Admiral Estevao Nchokomala, who becomes the new commander of the Mozambican navy.
The navy, said Chapo, “plays a central role in the defence of our national sovereignty, our independence and our territorial integrity, in protecting our extensive coastline, in safeguarding our marine resources, and in the security of shipping routes”.
Chapo added that the navy should also play a key role in fighting such crimes as piracy, terrorism, trafficking in drugs, weapons and people.
In an increasingly complex international situation, marked by geo-political instability and cross-border crime, said the President, “the naval component takes on added responsibilities in guaranteeing maritime security and in preserving our national sovereignty”.
The navy also had a key role to play against terrorism in Cabo Delgado province. Chapo said the navy “should play a decisive role in coastal vigilance, in controlling the seaways, and in blocking the terrorists’ lines of supply”.
Nchokomala, Chapo added, now has the task of leading the modernisation of the navy, and increasing its operational readiness.
(AIM)
Pf/ (359)
