Mozambican Defense Minister Cristovão Chume on Friday encouraged all the country's young soldiers on the front line in the fight against terrorism in the northern province of Cabo Delgado not to waver, because victory is "undeniable".

Speaking in the district of Nhamatanda, in Sofala province, at the official launch of the 2024 military enlistment campaign, Chume said that "we are taking this opportunity to encourage our young people on the front line, in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, to maintain their courage and determination because, whatever the cost, Mozambique will defeat terrorism in our country," declared Chume.

He stressed that terrorists make false promises to recruit young people into their ranks, "and that's why we want to call for vigilance against all kinds of maneuvers, because terrorists usually live among us. They can be our neighbors, our relatives, or even our friends."

Quoted by AIM, Chume stressed that the terrorists are not only those who are waging war in Cabo Delgado, but also those who are financing their murder of Mozambican families.

The source argued that the term terrorist also covers those who know where the terrorists are but don't inform the authorities, and "those who know where the positions of the armed forces are and then rush to inform the terrorists".

On the occasion, Chume took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the "invaluable contribution" of the veterans of the national liberation struggle, currently known as the "Local Forces", who have once again taken up arms to fight the terrorists, side by side with the Armed Forces of Mozambique (FADM) and their foreign allies.

"We will not allow terrorism to spread," he declared. "Let's protect our families, let's unite as one people to eradicate this evil because together we are very strong. Let's all strengthen national defense and, in particular, the Armed Forces and the Civil Service.

As for military registration, Chume said that this is the first registration that has taken place since the country's parliament, the Assembly of the Republic, amended the military service law last year, with the aim of modernizing and professionalizing the FADM and increasing its operational capacity.

The new law extends the period of military service from two to five years, and to six years in the case of the special forces. Those who don't want to join the FADM, said Chume, will be able to join the Mozambique Civic Service.