In Maputo, civil society launched a program for conflict prevention in exploitation zones. Non-governmental organizations aim to contribute to the more inclusive management of natural resources.

Mozambican civil society advocates for transparency, inclusive policies, and reduced vulnerability of communities to prevent conflicts in areas of mineral and other natural resource exploitation.

This is why the project "For an Inclusive and Peaceful Society in Mozambique" was launched this Wednesday (19.05), with which social organizations intend to contribute to crisis response and peace building through inclusive governance and resource management.

The executive director of the Institute for Multiparty Democracy (IMD), Hermenegildo Mundlhovo, recognizes that one of the factors of vulnerability of the communities is the extractive industry. "For example, we have a number of "And that's where the insurgents have had their ease in recruiting young people, frustrated precisely by the fact that they are not feeling that they are properly included from the process of exploitation of natural resources," explains the director of the IDM.

Development vs. conflicts

The representative of the European Union, Piergogio Calistri, says that the discovery of natural resources has not yet led the country to the development that was expected, not only in Cabo Delgado, but in other regions of Mozambique.

"This is why the European Union, together with the Governments, including that of Mozambique, supports various international conventions such as, for example, the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative."

However, according to Calistri, "without strong local collaboration between communities, institutions and the private sector," it is not possible to "prevent the birth of disputes that easily turn into wider conflicts."

expectations of young people in relation to the benefit of these sectors that are not seen and this also facilitates the level of spread of conflict."

Government says to focus on sustainability

Meanwhile, the Government of Mozambique, says the national director of Environment, Guilhermina Amorane, has been developing policies and strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and taking measures to ensure sustainable development.

But despite this effort made to boost the sustainable development of natural resources, there have been conflicts linked to exploitation. "This fact is recognized by the government, which has led to the definition of its five-year plan 2020 and 2024 in one of its governance priorities by strengthening the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment," Amorane assures.

The Project "For an Inclusive and Peaceful Society in Mozambique" will last three years, starting this year, and is launched by a consortium of partners such as IMD, Institute of Social and Economic Studies (IESE) and Finn Church Aid.