Inhambane, Mozambique, Sept. 25, 2026 (Lusa) - The Mozambican president on Friday highlighted the contribution of the armed forces in maintaining peace and territorial integrity, particularly in the conflict in the north of the country, and called for better conditions to protect soldiers in the face of the challenges they face in the sector.
«We recognise the effort and dedication of this group of military personnel, who have contributed greatly to growth, particularly to stability and security in the northern theatre of operations [in the province] of Cabo Delgado and in Mozambique as a whole,» said Daniel Chapo, in his speech at the celebrations for Mozambique's armed forces day (FADM), held today in the southern province of Inhambane.
In his address marking the anniversary of the start of the National Liberation Struggle on 25 September 1964 against Portuguese colonial rule, the Head of State described soldiers as the army's «most precious asset», and therefore called for better conditions to ensure their protection.
«No operation should be conducted without adequate preparation. No mission should be carried out without sufficient information. No soldier should be put at unnecessary risk. Soldiers must be protected because, as I have said, they are the most precious asset of our armed forces,» said Chapo, in an appeal addressed to commanders.
Despite the success the military has achieved on various battlefields, particularly in the fight against terrorism which, since 2017, has affected the gas-rich province of Cabo Delgado, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces also acknowledged the challenges and structural needs.
He highlighted, amongst other challenges, the lack of equipment, logistics and military infrastructure, as well as the sustainability and professionalisation of the FADM, at the event held under the motto «FADM: 62 years celebrating the legacy of liberation, consolidating peace and national defence».
«Together and united, we must cement our synergies so that these challenges become a thing of the past,» argued Chapo.
During the ceremonies, the Mozambican president is also expected to preside over the award ceremony for national entities, in recognition of their contribution, in various fields, to the country's development and construction; this ceremony will be replicated in all provinces under the guidance of the respective secretaries of state.
Daniel Chapo also encouraged the military to remain «steadfast and dedicated» in fulfilling the noble mission of protecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national independence and, above all, the national interest of the Mozambican people.
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