LocationsStabilization Programme distributed communications equipment to improve Police intervention in Cabo Delgado
October 23, 2022
The Stabilization Programme of UNDP Mozambique distributed, recently, 85 radios and eight repeater kits to the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) to improve the timeliness of law enforcement interventions in support of local communities in the districts of Pemba, Macomia, Quissanga, Palma, Nangade, Metuge, Mocimboa da Praia and Muidumbe.
Police officer displaying a radio, one of the equipment, during the handover ceremony, in Pemba, Cabo Delgado
The distribution of radios to the police forces of Cabo Delgado will contribute to improve the timeliness of law enforcement interventions in support of local communities, helping to reshape the trust between returning populations and security forces in the affected districts. The distribution of radios follows the donation of three cars and 30 motorbikes by UNDP to the Police of the Republic of Mozambique in March 2022.
Access to essential security equipment is paramount to increasing law enforcement presence and capacity in these areas. Since July 2021, UNDP has been assisting the Government of Mozambique in its effort to re-establish State authority in the districts affected by armed conflict in Cabo Delgado, paving the way for a subsequent safe and voluntary return of displaced populations to their areas of origin. Activities under UNDP’s Stabilization Program aim to rehabilitate public infrastructures damaged by conflict, boost socio-economic recovery, build resilience and social cohesion.
Police officers during the trainings on human rights and ethics in the context of armed conflict, held in Pemba, Cabo Delgado
Bringing the Police closer to the affected communities
At the donation ceremony, the Provincial Commander of the PRM in Cabo Delgado, Vicente Chicote, highlighted the importance of the equipment. “UNDP is bringing us closer to our communities. Our duty is to be 24hour ready to respond to any kind of situation. With the means that we have received today, we will connect all the district commands and police posts”, said.
“We would like to highlight that, with these means, we no longer have excuses not to be there in the community on time. Means of transportation they have already offered, communication as well, for us to become aware, in record time, of what is happening where our population is”, explained the Provincial Commander of the PRM in Cabo Delgado, thanking the partnership between UNDP and PRM. “A very serious partnership, which we will honor with our commitment”, said.
In addition to the provision of security equipment, UNDP is building the capacity of the police forces of Cabo Delgado by supporting training sessions on human rights and police ethics, aimed at improving policing conduct towards the returning communities. Delivered in partnership with the OHCHR and the Provincial Command of the PRM, the third edition of the police training took place in the city of Mueda on 05 and 06 October, targeting 50 frontline police officers from the districts affected by the armed conflict. A fourth edition is now planned for the beginning of December 2022.
