Mozambique’s parliament has given the green light to a proposed law that extends compulsory military service, aiming to enhance the professionalism and strength of its armed forces.
The new legislation, if enacted, would require general service to last five years and up to six years for special forces, a significant increase from the current two-year requirement.
The primary objective behind this move is to build a more skilled and robust military, reducing dependence on foreign assistance, especially in countering the Islamist insurgency in the northern region.
Neighboring countries have previously dispatched troops to aid Mozambique in tackling the insurgency.
Upon turning 18, Mozambicans are obligated to register with the armed forces, though exemptions are granted based on health or other valid grounds.
The proposed law empowers the armed forces to issue conscription summonses, authorized by the defense minister.
Non-compliance with summonses would incur criminal liability for individuals and fines for companies obstructing their employees from joining the military.
The ruling party, Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), with support from the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), has successfully passed the extension of military service.
The main opposition, Renamo, which has been boycotting parliamentary sessions, did not participate in the vote.
Defence Minister Cristóvão Chume emphasized the necessity of a more modern and professional military to address hybrid and diffuse threats connected to transnational organized crime.
The new law aims to produce better-trained soldiers with longer deployments, specifically targeting counter-terrorism operations.
President Filipe Nyusi stressed the importance of the country’s military being self-reliant without foreign support.
Despite joint operations with troops from Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), sporadic attacks persist.
Mozambique faces various national security challenges, including piracy, sea pollution, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
The extended military service proposal has generated diverse reactions.
While some argue it provides planning stability for both the government and conscripts, others express concerns about potential delays for young adults entering the job market.
The insurgency, spanning six years, has resulted in the loss of over 4,000 lives and displaced nearly a million people in the Cabo Delgado province.
Additionally, it has hindered the development of the country’s extensive natural gas deposits discovered in 2010.
The bill’s impact on the current 110,000-strong Mozambican armed forces remains uncertain.
