Zovko: Building on our experiences in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, we can offer our assistance to the people of Mozambique

Brussels, 18 September 2020,

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the humanitarian situation in Mozambique. In the debate EPP vice-coordinator for Foreign Affairs Željana Zovko emphasised the dire situation in the country and called for European support.

Zovko stressed that since 2010, Cabo Delgado in Mozambique has witnessed the discovery of substantial gas reserves off its coast making the area the home to Africa’s largest liquefied natural gas source. This discovery attracts enormous investment for the eventual extraction. Since 2017, this northern province has been rocked by deadly attacks perpetrated by armed groups whose operations are increasingly becoming sophisticated.

As mentioned by Zovko, even before the discovery of the gas reserves and the attacks, Cabo Delgado, was already nursing discontent due to high levels of poverty and marginalisation by the central government. The MEP also said that the Bishop of Pemba has received death threats for being outspoken on behalf of the poor in Cabo Delgado and calling on the government to do more to protect the people against the jihadist attacks linked to ISIS.

“With this resolution, we also urge the government of Mozambique to take effective and decisive actions against the insurgencies of the international terrorist organisation,” Zovko said. “The government of Mozambique holds a big responsibility but unfortunately lacks the means. A coordinated response from regional and international efforts is urgently needed.” Zovko reiterated that the European Parliament adopted this week a new and effective European approach on fighting terrorism in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa. As shadow rapporteur for the EPP on that file, Zovko said that building on these experiences, the EU can offer its assistance to the people of Mozambique.

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