Mozambique has laid the groundwork for the establishment of a National Maritime Security Committee (NMSC), with support from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
A national workshop (28-20 April) brought together 22 participants from 10 government institutions to discuss inter-agency coordination and advance a whole-of-government approach to maritime security.
Opening the workshop, Hon. Mr. Unaite Mustafa, President of the Board of Directors at INTRANSMAR, highlighted its importance:
"This workshop not only allows the adoption of a structure that is in line with good international practices but also supports the context of Mozambique's ongoing revision of maritime legislation. The lessons drawn from this process will help strengthen the framework for institutional and international cooperation required for effective maritime governance, including maritime safety and security."
The workshop addressed key themes, including:
- identifying maritime threats
- the international maritime security framework, and
- the development process to establish an enduring and effective NMSC.
Discussions underscored vital role of the NMSC in strengthening information-sharing and coordination across institutions.
Towards a unified approach to maritime security
Participants took part in tabletop exercises designed to test national preparedness through different scenarios such as an evolving threat to port security that culminated in an explosion, and the interdiction of vessels suspected of carrying narcotics and arms. The exercises assessed jurisdictional boundaries, decision and response capabilities, and identified areas for improved coordination and recovery.
Mr. Kiruja Micheni, Project Manager for the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA) at IMO, said: "At its core, this workshop is about ensuring that all institutions with maritime responsibilities are not only working effectively within their mandates but also working together as a coherent and unified system."
During a visit to Mozambique's Multi-Agency National Maritime Information Sharing Centre (NMISC), hosted by INAMAR, Mr. Micheni underscored information-sharing in strengthening maritime domain awareness and coordinated responses.
Over the course of the workshop, working groups developed a National Maritime Security Committee framework, providing a clear basis for inter-agency coordination and practical mechanism for collective planning and decision-making. Participants developed Terms of Reference for the Committee, including membership and scope of work, as well as a roadmap for its operationalization.
Port Security Project
The workshop was part of a series of activities under the European Union-funded project on Port Security and Safety of Navigation in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean ("Port Security Project"). The project, implemented jointly by IMO, INTERPOL and UNODC, benefits nine participating countries, including Mozambique.
Participants in the workshop included representatives from the Maritime Transport Institute (INTRANSMAR, IP), Institute of the Sea (INAMAR), Sea and Boundaries Institute (IMAF), Ministry of Transport and Logistics, National Directorate of Maritime Affairs, Marine Police, Mozambique Navy, General Attorney's Office and National Migration Services.
