Mozambique: Illegal Firearms Amnesty December Deadline Set

• Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo announced that authorities will forcibly collect illegal firearms after December.
• The December deadline marks the end of "Operation Amnesty Two," a program for voluntary firearm surrender.
• Individuals who surrender weapons voluntarily before the deadline will not face questioning, punishment, or detention.
• After December, non-compliant citizens risk forcible collection and potential legal repercussions for possessing illicit firearms.
• President Chapo also called for police discipline and enhanced cooperation to combat complex crimes like terrorism and trafficking.

Under the initiative known as "Operation Amnesty Two Mozambique," individuals who voluntarily surrender illegal firearms before the December deadline will be exempt from questioning, punishment, or detention.

Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo has issued a definitive warning regarding the possession of illicit firearms, announcing that authorities will initiate forcible collection efforts after December. This ultimatum follows the expiration of a police amnesty program designed for the voluntary surrender of such weapons. The President delivered this crucial message in the Manhiça district of Mozambique's southern Maputo province, during the closing ceremony for the 20th training course of the Mozambican Police Special Operations and Reserve Units. This declaration underscores the government's commitment to enhancing public safety and enforcing Mozambique arms control compliance.

Under the initiative known as "Operation Amnesty Two Mozambique," individuals who voluntarily surrender illegal firearms before the December deadline will be exempt from questioning, punishment, or detention. This program, which is set to conclude by the end of this year, provides a critical window for citizens to comply without facing legal repercussions.

However, President Chapo's statement makes it clear that once this period of grace ends, the state will transition to a more assertive approach, involving the forcible firearms collection Mozambique. This shift means that any person found with an illegally held weapon after December will not only lose the opportunity for a penalty-free surrender but will also face the full force of the law, highlighting significant legal risks for non-compliance.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS), President Chapo also addressed the conduct of law enforcement personnel. He urged police officers to uphold discipline, professionalism, and respect for the law in their duties to maintain public order and security. He emphasized that specialized training does not elevate officers above the law; rather, increased operational capacity necessitates even greater discipline, always respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The President further acknowledged the evolving complexity of criminal activities, citing terrorism, human and drug trafficking, kidnappings, organized crime, and cybercrime as growing threats. He called for enhanced cooperation between the Mozambican Police (PRM) and other Defence and Security Forces to effectively counter these sophisticated challenges.

President Chapo also provided an update on the security situation in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, which has been grappling with Islamist terrorism since 2017. He reported a marked improvement in conditions compared to two years prior, attributing this progress to the concerted efforts of the Mozambican Defence and Security Forces, alongside troops from Rwanda and Tanzania, in their counter-terrorism operations.

Looking forward, Chapo stressed the ongoing need for investment in police training, underscoring that robust public security is indispensable for achieving "economic independence," preserving national peace, defending sovereignty, and safeguarding territorial integrity. The President's remarks reinforce the government's holistic approach to security, linking it directly to the nation's broader developmental and strategic objectives.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Mozambique should immediately advise clients who may possess illegal firearms about the impending December deadline for voluntary surrender under Operation Amnesty Two, highlighting the risk of forcible collection and potential legal repercussions for non-compliance after this period.

Source: Original reporting via AIM