Maputo, June 24, 2026 (Lusa) - The Mozambican president on Wednesday called on the new leadership of the Academy of Higher Strategic Studies (AAEE) to prioritise the training of staff capable of producing research and concrete solutions to combat terrorism, kidnappings, transnational and cybercrime.
Whilst swearing in António Supeia and Nelson Rego today in Maputo as rector and vice-rector, respectively, of the Academy of Higher Strategic Studies, Daniel Chapo called on them to ensure the institution trains staff who do not merely produce descriptive studies and solutions to the security problems affecting the country.
“We need graduates who can produce in-depth analyses and put forward feasible proposals and practical solutions. We challenge you to expand the academy’s focus on scientific research into the major challenges facing national security,” said the Mozambican Head of State.
Chapo wants professionals trained at the institution to be able to produce studies on terrorism, in particular strategies to curb extremism, the identification of those behind it, recruitment mechanisms and funding networks, as well as to propose mechanisms to strengthen the resilience of local communities.
“In the case of kidnappings, for example, there is a great deal of research that can be carried out by the academy, ranging from operational dynamics and financial networks to prevention and deterrence measures,” added Daniel Chapo.
With regard to organised and transnational crime such as drug trafficking, cybercrime and disinformation that undermine the country’s image, Daniel Chapo said that the state needs its own expertise on these phenomena.
“We want them to train staff who can draw on foreign experience, but above all, we need strategic thinking produced in Mozambique and for Mozambique. We want solutions devised and tailored to the Mozambican reality,” he argued.
The Head of State acknowledged that the threats facing the country are “real, complex and dynamic”, reminding the academy that national security is no longer solely the responsibility of the military.
“Terrorism and violent extremism in Cabo Delgado province, the kidnappings that threaten families and the business environment, transnational organised crime, drug and human trafficking, cybercrime, environmental crimes and the illegal exploitation of resources, as well as disinformation and the manipulation of public opinion on social media, are just the tip of the iceberg, because these phenomena have very complex interconnections that inadequately trained personnel would be unable to understand or unravel,” he said.
Chapo called for competent management of the institution, emphasising transparency in the use of public resources and discipline, as well as competence, cohesion and coordination to achieve concrete results for the academy.
He reminded those taking office that their duties include the defence of national independence and territorial integrity, which he considered fundamental for the country to achieve economic independence.
“We want it to be a space where the country is reflected upon, a forum where risks are studied and a field where solutions are developed that contribute to the achievement of our economic independence. Indeed, it is important to train and update your teaching staff with new tools and knowledge, whilst investing in the acquisition of modern and specialised teaching materials,” he urged.
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