Chapo vows to use all available means to end terrorism
FRELIMO’s presidential candidate for the upcoming October general elections, on his final day of campaigning in Cabo Delgado province, northern Mozambique, pledged to deploy all possible resources to bring an end to terrorism in the region.
For Chapo, if Mozambique is to follow a path of development, the first priority must be to halt the insurgency and restore peace in Cabo Delgado—an essential condition for implementing structural development projects.
Chapo expressed confidence that terrorism’s days are numbered and, if elected on October 9, he will make it his mission to ensure the insurgents’ actions come to an end.
His conviction stems from the ongoing efforts to eradicate the terrorism that has plagued Cabo Delgado since 2017, leaving over two thousand dead, displacing more than a million people, and causing widespread destruction of public and private infrastructure.
According to the FRELIMO candidate, just as Mozambique freed itself from colonial rule, an oppressive system against the people, and triumphed over the 16-year war with the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO), now the main opposition party, as well as the attacks by RENAMO's Military Junta led by the rebel Mariano Nhongo, terrorism too will be defeated.
“The primary goal of governance is to work to end terrorism using all available means to restore peace. Peace is the key to development; without peace, there’s no way Cabo Delgado can progress,” Chapo declared during his final rally in Pemba, the provincial capital.
Chapo emphasised that peace will pave the way for rebuilding the province, especially in districts where insurgents have destroyed infrastructure. “With peace, we will rebuild roads, schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities,” he asserted.
He highlighted Cabo Delgado's wealth in minerals and hydrocarbons, pledging to use revenues from their exploitation to improve the lives of the province’s residents, particularly in areas where these resources are being extracted.
Chapo also promised to push companies operating in Cabo Delgado to establish local industries for processing raw materials, adding value to the products and creating jobs for local youth.
He underscored the need for a stronger focus on local content in the exploitation of Cabo Delgado’s gas and oil, which would stimulate the economy through the private sector, enabling micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to take on a more prominent role.
“This province is rich in hydrocarbons, rubies, gold, graphite, and more. What we will do is ensure that revenues are used to develop the communities where resources are being extracted. We want the province’s wealth to be felt by its people,” he reiterated.
As part of his vision for thematic capitals, Chapo believes that Cabo Delgado, home to the third-largest bay in the world, can rival Inhambane in the south as Mozambique’s tourism capital.
“We believe that Cabo Delgado, with its islands, beaches, reserves, and other natural wonders, can be recognised as the tourism capital,” he emphasised.
Chapo concluded his campaign in Cabo Delgado feeling a sense of accomplishment, having covered nine districts in four days, including Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Mueda, Montepuez, Balama, Ancuabe, Namuno, Chiure, and the city of Pemba.
