MAPUTO – Expressing solidarity with the people and the Government of Mozambique in the face of persistent terrorist threats, a UN expert today urged stronger efforts to protect human rights and address root causes of the conflict.
“After nine years of horrific violence, I recognise the significant efforts made by Mozambique and its partners to prevent and counter terrorism, including the recovery and stabilisation of many areas that have allowed many displaced people to return home,” said Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, in a statement at the end of an official visit to the country.
The Special Rapporteur welcomed Mozambique’s recent counter-terrorism strategy which recognises the need for a comprehensive approach, moving beyond a highly militarised response to address conditions conducive to terrorism.
“A comprehensive approach is essential,” Saul said. “The Government and international partners should intensify efforts to counter violent extremist ideology, strengthen State institutions and human development in the north, ensure communities in Cabo Delgado benefit fairly from the province’s rich natural resources, effectively regulate extractive industries, and strengthen inclusive governance.”
“While Mozambique faces substantial security and financial constraints, more can be done to mobilise resources through domestic economic and governance reforms. Large numbers of internally displaced persons require humanitarian assistance, livelihood opportunities, protection, and pathways to genuinely durable solutions,” he said.
The Special Rapporteur expressed grave concerns over violations committed during the conflict, particularly against women and children. He noted reports of killings, maiming, forced recruitment, and sexual and gender-based violence, attributed to the terrorist group.
“I am also disturbed by prevailing impunity for serious violations of human rights by security forces since the conflict began,” the expert said. “Impunity fuels grievances, erodes trust between communities and authorities, and ultimately undermines effective counter-terrorism efforts.” Saul called for independent oversight, meaningful accountability, and robust protection monitoring to be a priority.
He was concerned that military forces lacked adequate resources, procedures, and accountability mechanisms to prevent, prosecute and remedy violations, and called for effective control, discipline and training of the local group known as Força Local.
The expert urged Mozambique to formally establish and transparently regulate rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for individuals disengaging from terrorism. He emphasised that children associated with armed groups should be treated primarily as victims entitled to special protection.
He also encouraged the Government to explore possibilities for a negotiated resolution of the conflict, given that a purely military solution appeared to be unlikely.
Saul expressed concern about aspects of Mozambique’s legal framework for countering terrorism. He warned that overly broad definitions of terrorism, disproportionate penalties, and excessive administrative, intelligence and security powers risk undermining fundamental rights and freedoms. He raised concerns regarding arbitrary detention, prolonged pre-charge and pre-trial detention, due process shortcomings, and prison conditions.
The Special Rapporteur called for counter-terrorist financing measures to be more risk-based and proportionate, particularly regarding non-profit organisations, and urged the adoption of exemptions for impartial humanitarian relief, in line with international law.
“Counter-terrorism measures, together with other restrictions on civic space, including journalists, human rights defenders and dissenting voices, are limiting media reporting on the conflict and creating a chilling effect on humanitarian and human rights work,” Saul said.
He called on international partners to sustain political and financial support for Mozambique at a critical moment, in the face of devastating recent funding cuts. “The world must not forget Mozambique in its hour of need.”
“There is a risk that this conflict could be further prolonged,” he warned. “Continued international engagement is essential to support national efforts to prevent and counter terrorism while ensuring the protection of human rights.”
Saul will present a report on his findings to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027.
