© UNODC
Lisbon (Portugal), 26 July 2024 – In a concerted effort to bolster Mozambique's defences against the threat of terrorism affecting its Northern province of Cabo Delgado, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), conducted a comprehensive training course on the protection of critical infrastructures in the context of the phenomenon of terrorism.
This initiative is a key component of a broader Japan-funded project aimed at strengthening Mozambique's capacity to combat terrorism in the insurgency-affected province.
The training course, which took the form of an exchange visit held from 11 to 26 July 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal, was hosted by the Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR). It brought together representatives from crucial Mozambican institutions, including the Office of the Prosecutor General, the State Information and Security Service and the National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction Management.
The objective of the training was to enhance the ability of these institutions to safeguard Mozambique's vital infrastructures, ensuring their security, integrity, and resilience against potential threats or attacks.
Throughout the mission, the Mozambican delegation engaged in a series of high-level meetings and site visits to key GNR units. These included the General-Command of GNR, the Intervention Unit, responsible for managing critical incidents, and the Emergency Protection and Rescue Unit, which plays a vital role in responding to disasters and emergencies across Portugal. The delegation also visited the National Cybersecurity Centre, exchanging best practices in infrastructure protection and cybersecurity, and the Portuguese National Assembly.
As a direct outcome of these engagements, recommendations were put forward to continue the practical training on critical infrastructure protection, foster inter-agency cooperation both nationally and internationally, and assess the equipment needs of Mozambican institutions to enhance their operational capabilities.
UNODC extends its thanks to Japan for its financial support.