Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has linked the emergence of insurgency in Cabo Delgado in 2017 to the discovery of large natural gas reserves in the province, calling for strengthened African cooperation to protect the continent's natural resources and ensure they contribute to development.

"We discovered gas reserves in 2016 in Cabo Delgado, and one year later, in 2017, terrorism appeared. The same scenario occurs in several countries where there are mineral resources," Chapo said during his address at the 12th Tana Forum, held in the Ethiopian city of Bahir Dar.

The head of state was speaking on a high-level panel under the theme "Building an African Model for Peace and Sovereignty in an Era of Geopolitical Rivalry", which also featured Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama and Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Chapo argued for greater coordination among African nations in the face of international competition for strategic minerals, natural gas, and oil, contending that geopolitical rivalry demands a collective response to protect the interests of resource-holding states.

He also called for reform of the United Nations Security Council, including the granting of permanent representation and veto rights to Africa, and for an enhanced role for the African Union and regional organisations in conflict prevention and resolution.

Addressing the security situation in Cabo Delgado, Chapo highlighted military cooperation with Rwanda, Tanzania, and members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) through the regional SAMIM mission, as well as the participation of local forces in combating armed groups.

According to Chapo, localities previously held by insurgents are currently free of their control, although sporadic attacks and population displacement persist, continuing to require humanitarian assistance.

The president also recalled Mozambique's experience during the armed conflict that lasted 16 years after independence in 1975 and ended with the signing of the General Peace Agreement in 1992, arguing that this history contributed to the development of national conflict-response capabilities.