Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has urged the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) to enhance its strategies in response to the ongoing violent insurgency in Cabo Delgado, a province in the northern part of the country.
At the inauguration of the UIR’s new headquarters in Cabo Delgado, Nyusi highlighted the importance of the unit maintaining high standards of professionalism, integrity, and discipline. He stressed that these qualities are crucial for fostering trust and confidence among the local community and ensuring effective collaboration with fellow law enforcement officers.
The new headquarters spans 160 hectares and includes three barracks, residences for officers and generals, and various facilities such as a shooting range. The total construction cost was 180 million meticais, approximately 2.8 million US dollars. This investment is part of a broader effort to strengthen the capabilities of the UIR in addressing security challenges in the region.
Nyusi pointed out that this is the first UIR barracks constructed since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal, marking a significant milestone for the unit. He acknowledged that while the project took considerable time to complete, it is expected to play a vital role in bolstering efforts to combat the persistent violence in Cabo Delgado.
The president formally handed over the 10th UIR sub-unit barracks to the Mozambican Police (PRM) during the ceremony, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving security and stability in the affected areas. The establishment of this headquarters is seen as a key step in enhancing the operational capacity of the UIR to effectively respond to threats and ensure the safety of citizens in Cabo Delgado.