The first lady of the Republic this week highlighted the role of women on the front line of the fight against the rebels terrorizing the northern province of Cabo Delgado.

"We are proud of the role of military women on the front line with their comrades in the trenches, doing their utmost to combat the barbaric actions of terrorists against defenceless citizens," said Isaura Nyusi.

The first lady was speaking during a New Year's lunch organized on Thursday in honour of dozens of women from the Armed Forces of Defence and Security (FADM) in the city of Pemba, the provincial capital of Cabo Delgado.

For the wife of Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, the efforts of the military women who are on the front line of the fight against the rebels in Cabo Delgado give prestige to all Mozambican women.

"When we thought of celebrating the festive season with you, in this province of Cabo Delgado, we did so out of a need to convey our message of recognition and encouragement for your commitment to the defense of national sovereignty," added Isaura Nyusi.

The province of Cabo Delgado has been facing an armed insurgency for five years, with some attacks claimed by the extremist group Islamic State.