Lack of political will hinders efforts to stop kidnappings in Mozambique, analysts say
Analysts believe that a lack of political will and interest is hindering the complete eradication of kidnappings in Mozambique, particularly in the capital, Maputo. The situation is exacerbated by the involvement of powerful gangs, some of which include members of the law enforcement agencies, highlighting significant institutional gaps.
According to political analyst Rui Fernandes, speaking to VOA, the fight against kidnappings remains ineffective as long as there are technical, technological, and material deficiencies. “There needs to be political will to combat this crime, which even involves elements of the law enforcement forces,” he added.
Fernandes also noted that some police officers are involved in kidnappings, renting out weapons and uniforms to criminals. These situations should be thoroughly investigated with exemplary penalties for those involved.
Meanwhile, political analyst Fernando Lima, quoted by the same news outlet, stated that the situation will continue to deteriorate unless the government takes further steps to make the police more effective in combating kidnappings. “The Government of Mozambique needs to understand what must be done so that the police can meet the country's challenges and the citizens' concerns,” Lima argued.
The latest victim of this crime is an entrepreneur with an Arabic name, raising questions about why individuals of Asian origin are the primary targets of kidnappers.
In response to this scenario, the government says investigations are underway to clarify the case that occurred last Saturday against a victim who, according to information gathered by the Tower, was previously kidnapped in 2011.
The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique plans to meet with the government to discuss the impact of kidnappings on the economy, which, according to the head of the Tourism, Hospitality, and Restoration sector, significantly affects the tourism industry.
The government is in the process of creating an anti-kidnapping brigade and believes this to be the best way to combat this type of crime. “The brigade is doing its work,” stated a source from the Central Office for Combating Organized and Transnational Crime, which last November brought charges against three defendants, one of whom is a former member of the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC).
