Q. Did the elections themselves and the aftermath speak to Mozambican’s expectations of democracy?
A. The elections of 15 October 2019 took place in an environment of greater expectation from the population of Mozambique, focused on peace, hence there was greater participation.
Q. Did the elections themselves and the aftermath speak to Mozambican’s expectations of democracy?
A. The elections of 15 October 2019 took place in an environment of greater expectation from the population of Mozambique, focused on peace, hence there was greater participation.
Q. Please comment on women’s participation in the elections?
A. Women actively participated as voters as well as candidates for Members of Parliament, Provincial Governors and as members of the provincial assemblies. Out of a House of 250 60% are women.
Q. What country’s security situation following the elections?
A. The security of the country post elections continues to be affected by the focus of attacks in the centre of the country perpetuated by the proclaimed Renamo military junta as well as by the insurgents in Cabo-Delgado.
Q. General perception is that the security challenge is a result of the discovery of gas reserves in the north, firstly is this a correct?
A. We all think that those attacks are the result of the discovery of natural resources, but to this day they are not identified, as well as their origin.
Q. If in your view the fighting is not over gas reserves, could you please tell us what you think is behind the tensions?
A. We believe that the exploitation of these resources involving Americans may have stirred up radical Islamic groups, because to this day no organization has appeared to identify itself and/or take on the attacks.
Q. Who in your opinion do you think is going to benefit the most from the discovery of gas?
A. We as working class defenders, but also evaluating the commitment made by the president of the republic at the inauguration, are hoping that these resources will benefit the communities.
Q. What role do Islamists insurgents play, if any?
A. At the moment there is more concern among the people of Cabo Delgado due to poor security, which is currently hindering agricultural production, fishing, movement of people and goods in much of that part of the country.
Q. What is the security impact on social movements including your organisation (and other FOS partners)?
A. This situation is very worrying for several organizations, but fortunately our members and their beneficiaries are in the southern districts of Cabo Delgado, which until now there has been no attack, so it is still calm.
Q. In your view, how can the security situation be resolved?
A. The solution would be dialogue, but it is a faceless group and they do not declare what they claim.