As published by Mano Florian in the African Times
Mozambique and Tanzania have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to joint efforts in combating terrorism, transnational crime, and instability along their shared border.
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This commitment was expressed today at the opening of the 6th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, taking place in Maputo.
Mozambique’s Minister of Defence, Estêvão Chume, praised the vital contribution of the United Republic of Tanzania to regional peace efforts, particularly in supporting the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), which helped curb violent extremism in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.
Chume noted that the operational success of SAMIM “contributed decisively to the restoration of peace and stability in affected areas” and paved the way for the return of displaced communities. He highlighted Tanzania’s continued bilateral support following the conclusion of the regional mission, especially in safeguarding the border against terrorist movements.
“We are currently witnessing progress in efforts to prevent the use of border areas as corridors for terrorist movements,” said Chume, adding that both countries are intensifying military coordination and joint training initiatives.
He stressed that “it is impossible to think about defence and security outside the framework of inter-state coordination,” describing the current session as an opportunity to assess the evolving political and security landscape and forge new strategies to protect national and regional interests.
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Chume also recalled the strategic significance of President Daniel Francisco Chapo’s first state visit to Tanzania in May 2025, which placed defence and security cooperation at the top of the bilateral agenda. That visit was followed by the signing of two key agreements: the establishment of a One-Stop Border Post at Negomano-Mtambaswala, and a pact on the transfer of convicted persons.
“Our presence here stems from the recognition that defence and security are fundamental pillars in safeguarding our sovereignty,” Chume stated, calling for strengthened solidarity, mutual support, and deeper cooperation.
Echoing these sentiments, Tanzania’s Minister for Defence and National Service, Stergomena Tax, described the commission as a “vital platform” to share experiences, review progress, and explore new areas of collaboration.
She highlighted the longstanding partnership between Tanzania and Mozambique, noting that both countries work closely not only bilaterally but also through the African Union (AU) and SADC to promote peace and development in the region.
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“Together, we have made significant progress through joint operations, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building initiatives,” she said, while warning that threats such as terrorism and organised crime continue to evolve.
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Minister Tax praised the dedication of the armed forces from both countries in protecting their shared 800-kilometre border – the longest in the region – and recognised the contributions of Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan and Daniel Chapo in guiding bilateral security efforts.
She recalled President Suluhu Hassan’s remarks during her June visit to Mozambique for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary:
“We have made commendable strides in achieving political independence, but our journey does not end there. We must ensure that our nations are at peace and united, so we can collectively pursue the next phase of transformation: the fight for economic freedom. Peace and development are inseparable.”
Minister Tax outlined key priorities for continued cooperation, including:
- Enhancing intelligence sharing and joint operational coordination;
- Fast-tracking the implementation of defence agreements;
- Expanding joint training and capacity-building;
- Strengthening community engagement to counter radicalisation;
- Boosting legal cooperation to prosecute cross-border crime;
- And maintaining high-level political dialogue on defence matters.
“Tanzania remains ready to deepen collaboration and leverage our collective expertise and resources,” she concluded. “Together, Tanzania and Mozambique have the capacity and determination to lay a strong foundation for a safer, more prosperous future.”
This article has been published in partnership with the African Times.
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