Mozambique Reseacrch
Mozambique Reseacrch
Mozambique Reseacrch
Country: Mozambique
Agenda:- Crisis in Niger, with special emphasis on the military Coup of 2023
Research-
About the country:
Mozambique is located in Southern Africa between South Africa and Tanzania and the president of
Mozambique is Filipe Jacinto Nyusi and prime minister is Incumbent Adriano Maleiane.
Mozambique is a republic and a multiparty democracy.
The capital city of the country is Maputo, a port city that lies along the north bank of Espirito Santo
Estuary of Delagoa bay, an inlet on the Indian ocean. The port, which played a vital role before the
independence of the nation, took over transit trades from the mines and industries of South Africa,
Swaziland and Rhodesia. Implying a huge economic profit for the city.
History of Mozambique:
i) The Cabo Delgado Conflict (Protests)
Cabo Delgado is the northernmost province of Mozambique, which has been the scene of a
deadly insurrection since 2017. Armed men acting as an insurgent group attacked police
stations in Mocimboa da Praia, triggering the conflict in Cabo Delgado.The conflict has its
roots in the pre-existing socio economic marginalization of northern Mozambique, political
and religious ideology, and inequalities worsened by the discovery of minerals and natural gas
deposits in the region, which has threatened the livelihood of the local population. The
conflict in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique has been going on for several years and has resulted in
many deaths, displacements, and disruptions to basic services like water and healthcare.Further
protests in connection with the municipal elections held on Oct. 11 are likely nationwide
through October. As of mid-October, courts have issued orders to recount votes in Matola
(Maputo Province).State security forces used lethal force and arbitrary arrest and detention to
limit people's right to peaceful protest across the country.
In January, a group of women activists led by Observatorio da Mulher (Women Observatory) opened a
formal complaint with the Attorney’s General Office against police officers who in December 2021
forcibly broke up a peaceful protest against gender-based violence. During the protest, which was
organized as part of the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women campaign, police
arbitrarily arrested at least 17 women, who were released on the same day. As of September 2022, the
case was still under investigation.
Courts have also requested new elections in Chokwe (Gaza Province) and in Kamavota and
Kampfumo (both Maputo Province). The ruling Liberation Front of Mozambique (Frelimo)
party claims to have won 64 of 65 municipalities; only Beira was won by the opposition
Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM). The lead opposition Mozambican National
Resistance (Renamo) called for nationwide protests on Oct. 17, boycotted the national
parliament sitting, and announced it would legally challenge the results.
○ Socioeconomic marginalization: People in Cabo Delgado are poor and don't have
many opportunities to make money. This has created tensions and grievances that
contributed to the conflict.
● Political and religious ideology: There are some people in Cabo Delgado who believe that the
government is not treating them fairly because of their religion or political beliefs. This has also
contributed to the conflict.
● Inequalities worsened by the discovery of minerals and natural gas deposits: When minerals
and natural gas were discovered in Cabo Delgado, it created new opportunities for people to
make money. However, it also threatened the livelihoods of the local population, who may
have relied on other industries like farming or fishing. This created tensions and grievances that
contributed to the conflict.
The ISIS insurgency in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, is driven by the group's aim to overthrow the
Mozambique government and expel foreign influences. ISIS-Mozambique, also known as Ansar
al-Sunna, seeks to establish governance by sharia and rejects secular education, with its ideology rooted
in the 1990s Ansar al-Sunna Islamic movement. The humanitarian situation in Mozambique worsened
in 2022 amid ongoing attacks by an Islamic State (ISIS)-linked group locally known as “Mashababos”
or Al-Shabab. Mozambican forces, with the support of troops from Rwanda and the Southern African
Development Community (SADC) regional force, have significantly increased their presence in the
region and recovered areas previously under the control of the insurgents. The European Union
approved additional military support for the SADC mission to Mozambique (SAMIM). Mozambique
was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year
membership starting in January 2023.The humanitarian situation in northern Mozambique worsened
as attacks by an Islamic State (ISIS)-linked group, known locally as Al-Shabab or “Mashaba Bos” led to
a spike in abductions and destruction of homes by the armed group. The violence has displaced
thousands of people, and by the end of August, more than 946,000 were internally displaced in
northern Mozambique after fleeing their homes in Cabo Delgado province.
Effects of the Cabo Delgado Conflict:
The conflict has disrupted the lives of many people in Cabo Delgado, including those who have been
displaced from their homes. The World Bank and other organizations are working to address the
conflict and support those who have been affected by it. However, the conflict is ongoing and
continues to pose a threat to the people of Cabo Delgado.
The conflict has claimed many lives over time, including civilians, and since the beginning of the
current conflict in 2017, violence has resulted in more than 2,000 recorded fatalities.The conflict has
also disrupted access to basic services like water, sanitation, and health, and has partially or completely
damaged healthcare facilities.The conflict has displaced over 800,000 people, and many of them have
lost their families, homes, and livelihoods.The World Bank has supported the Government of
Mozambique in addressing early recovery activities in the conflict-torn northern region through the
Northern Crisis Recovery Project (NCRP), which is helping repair public infrastructure and foster
social cohesion, supporting not only those displaced but also the communities that host them.The aim
is to support Cabo Delgado's longer-term recovery and development, mitigating conflict risks and
building resilience.
Insurgent Group:
Authorities will likely maintain an increased level of security nationwide. Measures may include the
deployment of checkpoints, increased patrolling near urban centers, border restrictions, and
implementation of curfews. Protests and clashes between Frelimo, Renamo, and MDM supporters, as
well as with security forces, are likely. Disruptions to urban and intercity road travel, business
operations, and telecommunications are likely amid significant bouts of civil unrest or preemptive
security operations.
Niger crisis:
On July 26, Niger’s government was overthrown, and President Mohamed Bazoum was taken hostage.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued an ultimatum to the coup
leaders, threatening military intervention if deposed Bazoum was not returned to power. ECOWAS
member states suspended relations with Niger and closed their land and air borders with the country.
The governments of Mali and Burkina Faso, both led by military coup leaders, issued a joint statement
warning that an ECOWAS intervention in Niger could lead to a military response from their states.
The stakes are high. Prospects for resolving the security crisis sweeping the Sahel are dim. Niger’s
economy is suffering and the people as well.
As they struggle to reconcile democracy promotion with security and humanitarian considerations, the
AU and its member states should:
a. Encourage ECOWAS, for example through its member state Nigeria, to pursue dialogue with
Niger’s junta. Though the spate of coups in West Africa has understandably fed a fear of
contagion, there is a need for de-escalation.
b. In discussions with the junta, push for a civilian-led transition that brings together
representatives of the military, political parties and civil society organizations, including
women’s groups; and, together with ECOWAS, discreetly support civilian groups that can
advocate for accountable governance and an eventual return to constitutional order.
c. Ensure that development and humanitarian aid continues to reach those most in need, such as
displaced persons and children. EU member states should remind all sides – the junta as well as
ECOWAS countries – of the need to guarantee unimpeded access for humanitarian workers
delivering aid. Another step could be to push ECOWAS to exempt essential commodities such
as medicines, fuel and electricity from the sanctions regime.
d. In the medium to long term, face the challenge presented by the crisis by evaluating whether
Europe’s emphasis on security cooperation in the Sahel has been effective, or whether it would
be better served by an approach that focuses more on good governance and economic
development.
The crisis in Niger has had a devastating impact on the country's development and people. Millions
have been displaced from their homes, food insecurity is widespread, and the economy has been
battered. The country is now facing a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions.
The crisis has had a number of negative impacts on Niger's development. Economic growth has slowed
by 2% in 2022, poverty rates have increased from 41.7% to 44.1% in 2023, and public services have been
disrupted. The education system has been particularly hard hit, with 1,200 schools closed and 300,000
children forced to drop out. The crisis has also had a negative impact on health and nutrition, with
malnutrition rates rising to 15.2% in 2023 and access to healthcare limited.
The crisis has also had a significant impact on the people of Niger. 4.3 million people need
humanitarian assistance, including 3.2 million people who are food insecure. More than 2.5 million
people have been displaced from their homes, including over 1 million refugees from Mali and Nigeria.
The international community has responded to the crisis in Niger with financial and humanitarian
assistance. In 2022, the United Nations launched a $1.4 billion humanitarian appeal for Niger, but
only 30% of the funding has been received so far.
More needs to be done to help Niger recover from the crisis and build a more prosperous and peaceful
future for its people. The international community must increase humanitarian assistance and support
the country's efforts to rebuild its economy and social services.
https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/sahel/niger/niger-containing-fallout-coup
Montevideo convention:
"Montevideo Convention" typically refers to the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of
States, which is a treaty signed in Montevideo, Uruguay, on December 26, 1933. The full name of the
convention is the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States in Latin America.
The Montevideo Convention is a key document in international law that outlines the criteria for
statehood and the rights and duties of states. According to the convention, a state should possess four
essential qualifications to be considered a sovereign state:
Permanent Population: A state must have a permanent population.
Defined Territory: A state must have a defined territory.
Government: A state must have a government capable of exercising control over its territory
and population.
Capacity to Enter into Relations with Other States: A state must have the capacity to enter
into relations with other states.
If a political entity fulfills these criteria, it is generally recognized as a sovereign state under
international law. The Montevideo Convention has been an influential document in shaping the
understanding of statehood in international law.
Samaya
Nishka Sehgal Rao Albania Friendly Diplomatic relations.
Siddhant Iqra
Amit Singla Rahiman Malta Friendly diplomatic relations.
Jai Vardhan
Amishi Daga Arya Mozambique Amazing Relations Obviously
Hrehaan Aditya Friendly relation, India has provided and helped with many
Bhaskar Thakkar India situations in Mozambique.
Ayan
Syed Fouad Saraogi Turkey Helped in the Cabo Delgado situation.
Roadmap
Motions
1) Impacts of the coup on the people of NIger
2) Action already taken by the UN
3)
4) Economic Solutions in Niger
5) How we can Provide Humanitarian Aid and Assistance
Solutions-
We, as Mozambique, suggest and urge all member states and international agencies to support
all ECOWAS decisions aimed at bringing back the original government and providing
financial aid to ECOWAS in decisions for military intervention or diplomatic conversations
to promote stability in Niger.
Once there is an approach towards stability in the government, we suggest ECOWAS and
other organizations provide funding for stabilizing the economy as the military coup has
caused a negative impact on the same. We also encourage the UNSC to impose an arms
embargo on Niger to prohibit transactions of weaponry and military weapons. The aim will
be to prevent human abuse and human rights violations. It can also help in a peaceful
negotiation and can prevent conflicts.