Mozambique President urges Africa-wide resource security cooperation amid ongoing Cabo Delgado insurgency

At the 12th Tana Forum in Bahir Dar, Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo appealed for stronger African cooperation to protect strategic minerals, natural gas and oil, warning that resource finds can coincide with armed insurgencies. He noted that gas reserves were identified in 2016 and the Islamist insurgency erupted in October 2017, suggesting a troubling pattern. Chapo stressed that coordinated security efforts are essential to preserve sovereignty and development, and pointed to the continued violence that has caused thousands of deaths and displaced tens of thousands, according to ACLED and IOM data.

He referenced the closure of the SAMIM mission in 2024 and ongoing support from Rwandan and Tanzanian forces. Additionally, he urged reform of the United Nations Security Council to grant Africa permanent representation and veto power.