– Messias Niposso, a former Renamo rebel, appointed as FADM’s new second-in-command
By Noémia Mendes
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – President Daniel Francisco Chapo has appointed Lieutenant General Messias André Niposso as Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Mozambican Defence Armed Forces (FADM), replacing Bertolino Capitine, who was dismissed nine months ago.
Capitine was sacked on 4 October 2024 by then President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, following a critical speech regarding the government’s handling of the security situation in Cabo Delgado. The remarks, delivered on 30 September at Joaquim Chissano University (UJC), received wide media coverage.
Capitine, who had commanded the FADM in the Northern Operational Theatre (TON), argued that the National Defence and Security Council should formally declare a state of war in Cabo Delgado to legitimise the deployment of troops. He also criticised the government’s reliance on foreign forces without having declared a state of war, describing the approach as “improvised”.
“If we don’t declare war, on what basis does Mozambique invite SAMIM, invite Rwanda, invite Tanzania?” asked the then number two of the FADM. His remarks cost him his position, although he remained respected within military ranks. His replacement has only now been appointed, nine months later.
By appointing Niposso, Chapo upheld the tradition established in the General Peace Agreement by selecting a military officer from Renamo’s former rebel forces, which fought against the government during the civil war (1976–1992).
Also on Monday, the Head of State dismissed André Rafael Mahunguane from his role as Chief of Staff of the Presidential Guard and promoted him to Major General, assigning him to lead the Army Branch, replacing Tiago Alberto Nampele.
Back in April, Chapo had appointed Júlio Jane as Chief of the General Staff of the FADM, replacing Joaquim Mangrasse, thereby completing the reshuffle of the top positions within the Armed Forces. The President had previously also made changes in the leadership of the Police and the State Information and Security Service (SISE). The only senior official in the defence sector who remains in office since the Nyusi administration is the Minister of National Defence, Cristóvão Chume. (NM)
