The governments of Mozambique and the United States discussed strengthening the training of Mozambican special forces for counter-terrorism operations during a meeting held in Maputo between Defence Minister Cristóvão Chume and representatives of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). The talks also covered naval cooperation and military health, with the aim of bolstering Mozambique’s national defence capabilities.
The meeting was attended by AFRICOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John Brennan Jr. and Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Engagement Ambassador Peter Vrooman. During the session, both delegations reviewed the state of bilateral military cooperation and identified areas in which they intend to deepen the partnership.
According to information released by Cristóvão Chume, one of the central topics discussed was the training of Mozambican special forces, with a particular focus on counter-terrorism. The agenda also included naval cooperation and military health, both regarded as key areas for improving the readiness and operational capacity of the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces (FADM).
The representatives of both countries reaffirmed their commitment to advancing defence sector cooperation. The delegations also reviewed initiatives already undertaken under the partnership, particularly in support of military training and in reinforcing national capabilities to respond to security challenges.
Cooperation between Mozambique and the United States has already produced concrete initiatives in support of national defence forces. In September, the US government announced a US$1.5 million funding package to improve the management and security of weapons and ammunition in the country. The support also includes specialised training for security sector professionals.
Implemented in partnership with The HALO Trust USA, the initiative aims to strengthen arsenal controls and reduce the risk of weapons and ammunition being diverted to criminal and terrorist groups. The programme builds on cooperation launched in 2023, which includes improving ammunition storage conditions, rehabilitating arsenals, and building the capacity of FADM personnel.
The training of Mozambican military personnel has also been a priority in cooperation with other international partners. By May 2024, the European Union Training Mission in Mozambique had already trained more than 1,650 special forces personnel, including marines and commandos, as well as over one hundred instructors. At the time, Brigadier General João Gonçalves explained that the objective was to equip the FADM with the capacity to independently sustain the training of its own personnel.
Against this backdrop, the meeting between Minister Cristóvão Chume and the AFRICOM representatives forms part of broader efforts to deepen the military partnership between Mozambique and the United States. Special forces training, naval cooperation, and military health remain among the areas identified for reinforcement, in a partnership oriented towards developing national defence capabilities and addressing security challenges.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=559766
