Tánaiste commits additional €1 million for inclusive and sustainable peace in Mozambique

Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, has today announced the provision of a further €1 million to support the reintegration phase of Mozambique’s Peace Process, which will bring Ireland’s total contribution since 2017 to €5 million.

During a visit to an exhibition in Maputo hosted by UN Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Mozambique, Mirko Manzoni, the Tánaiste welcomed the progress made in the Mozambique Peace Process, including the recent completion of the disarmament and demobilisation phase in June 2023. This is a significant milestone in the advancement of sustainable peace in Mozambique.

The Tánaiste also met Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Mozambique, Verónica Macamo to celebrate the strength and endurance of Ireland’s excellent relations with Mozambique.

Announcing the funding after the meeting, the Tánaiste said:

"The first heroes of any peace process are those who show courage to change direction and break new ground. I extend my congratulations to both President Filipe Nyusi, and RENAMO leader, Ossufo Momade, for their commitment to the process, and for their courage to translate the peace agreement into concrete results for Mozambicans.

"This historic milestone provides the people of Mozambique with further assurances of a more peaceful and prosperous future.

"Earlier this year Ireland celebrated 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement, which was a triumph for constitutional democracy on our Island. Ireland has a long history of working on peace building. It is a pleasure for me to see first-hand the important work that is ongoing in Mozambique and to learn of the progress made in the peace process and the completion of the critical disarmament and demobilisation phase.

"Ireland supports Mozambique’s peace process and remains committed to working with Mozambique, financially, technically and with key diplomatic personnel and a member of the Defence Forces - in support of inclusive reconciliation initiatives, that put human rights and gender equality at the heart.

"I want to pay particular tribute to the young Irish diplomats of the Peace Secretariat, who through hard work and dedication helped to facilitate the peace process and brought great honour to Ireland."

This additional funding brings to €5.5 million the total funding announced by the Tánaiste for Mozambique this week. On Wednesday, the Tánaiste committed €1 million to Inhambane Province for jobs, health and water and on Thursday, he announced the allocation of €3.5 million in funding to strengthen education systems, improve access and provide quality education for children in Mozambique.

Ireland has committed €27 million in funding to Mozambique this year.

Notes

Ireland has provided technical and financial support to Mozambique’s peace process since 2017. The Defence Forces provided key technical expertise, and the Peace Process Secretariat and the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy were supported to facilitate the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programme.

Mirko Manzoni was appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as his Personal Envoy for Mozambique on 8 July 2019. In this role, Mr Manzoni provided good offices support to facilitate the dialogue between the Government of Mozambique and RENAMO, as well as the signing and subsequent implementation of a peace agreement between the parties.

Ireland has provided €4 million in financial support to the Mozambique Peace Process over the years 2017 – 2023. This further funding of €1 million will support the ongoing work of the Peace Secretariat and the United Nations on the Mozambique peace process, bringing Ireland’s total contribution since 2017 to almost €5 million.