Mozambique: New laws threaten to weaken freedom of expression and the press
Mozambique faces escalating terrorist attacks in Cabo Delgado province. The government restricts the spread of terrorism information, introducing new laws to combat false news. Media expresses concerns over potential threats to freedom of expression and press.
In the Carbo Delgado province, in the north of Mozambique, terrorist attacks have continued
the increase since October 2017, creating a prolonged period of conflict in the region.
The government has tried to control the way information on terrorism is disseminated in the
Country
In November 2020, as the President, Filipe Nyusi, challenged the Mozambican Armed
Forces (FADM) to restore normalcy in areas of the country affected by conflict. He specifically
attacked the use of social media for spreading disinformation about Cabo Delgado.
Mozambique is now preparing to introduce the Law for the Suppression, Combat, and
Prevention of Terrorism and Related Actions, aimed at combating the spread of false
information on terrorism in the country after almost three years of ongoing campaigns.
Although these laws are considered timely, there are concerns among the media.
MISA-Mozambique, a regional entity for the defence of press freedom, questioned the
government’s intentions behind the legislation