Africa-Press – Mozambique. Mozambique’s president, Filipe Nyusi, has said that peace is a fundamental condition for the flow of investment in the country, stating that restoring peace in Cabo Delgado, a province affected by terrorism, is a priority.
“Peace and tranquillity are critical for the flow of investment and trade, translating into regional integration. So our strategic priority now is to fight terrorism,” he said on Tuesday.
Filipe Nyusi was speaking during the opening session of the 13th United States-Africa Business Summit, which is being held until Friday in virtual format.
According to the head of state, Mozambique is aware of the importance of peace for economic development. In the fight against terrorist groups in Cabo Delgado, the government has favoured a holistic and multisectoral approach.
“We are promoting integrated development programmes in socio-economic service delivery sectors in Cabo Delgado. We have to prevent and discourage the grooming of young people who join terrorist groups,” he said.
In the military response, Mozambique is counting on the support of the Southern African Development Community and Rwanda to curb the incursions of these groups.
“Terrorist attacks in some districts of Cabo Delgado have created negative impacts on the lives of local populations, creating a large number of displaced people and destroying infrastructure,” he added.
Armed groups have terrorised Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province since 2017, with some attacks claimed by the Islamic State group.
According to the Mozambican presidency, more than 2,800 deaths, according to the ACLED conflict registration project, and more than 800,000 displaced people.
The 13th United States-Africa Business Summit will bring together several African presidents and the US Secretary of State for Commerce, Gina Raimondo
