First Lady of Mozambique Isaura Nyusi has highlighted the role of women on the frontline in the fight against the rebels terrorising the province of Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, the media reported last week.
“We are proud of the role of military women in the frontline with their trench mates giving their utmost in the fight against the barbaric actions of terrorists against defenceless citizens,” Isaura Nyusi declared.
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The Mozambican first lady was speaking during a lunch alluding to the new year organised on Thursday in honour of dozens of women from the Armed Defence and Security Forces (FADM) in the city of Pemba, the provincial capital of Cabo Delgado.
The wife of the Mozambican President, Filipe Nyusi, said the efforts of the military women who are on the front line of the fight against the rebels in Cabo Delgado give prestige to all Mozambican women.
“In thinking of celebrating the festive season with you in this province of Cabo Delgado, we did so moved by the need to convey our message of recognition and encouragement of your delivery in the defence of national sovereignty,” added Isaura Nyusi.
Cabo Delgado province has been facing an armed insurgency for five years, with some attacks claimed by the extremist group Islamic State.
The insurgency has led to a military response since July 2021 with support from Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), liberating districts near gas projects, but new waves of attacks have emerged south of the region and in neighbouring Nampula province.
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The conflict has left one million people displaced, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and about 4,000 dead, according to the ACLED conflict registration project.
