By Paul Fauvet
Maputo (MOZTIMES) - Mozambican President Daniel Chapo on Monday urged the Association of Veterans of the National Liberation Struggle (ACLLN) to remain vigilant against terrorism, violence, and disinformation.
Speaking as President of the ruling Frelimo Party, Chapo closed a session of the ACLLN National Committee, held in the southern municipality of Matola, by urging the veterans “to return to our provinces imbued with the spirit of unity, cohesion, and loyalty to the party”.
He also urged the veterans to fight food shortages by growing their own food. “We call on all Mozambicans to redouble efforts to increase production and productivity, especially food production at family level”, he said.
According to Chapo, the “one family, one vegetable garden” campaign should become a permanent practice for Mozambican households. Chapo launched this campaign earlier in May, in response to the rises in food and fuel prices, largely precipitated by the United States war against Iran.
He also urged the ACLLN to “remain vigilant against terrorism, violence, and disinformation”. He warned of the dangers of disinformation, “rumours, and violent protests”, describing them as threats to national stability.
Participants at the meeting seized the opportunity to demand privileges for themselves and their families. They called for better social conditions for veterans of the national liberation struggle, including medical care, priority access to public services, and scholarships for the children of veterans.
Alson on Monday, Chapo called for deepening of African unity and of regional economic integration, as determinant factors for boosting the development of the continent.
Speaking to reporters, during celebrations of Africa Day, he said that the frontiers inherited from colonial rule remain an obstacle to full integration. He believed that the development of the continent must involve strengthening the regional organisations and gradually eliminating the barriers to the circulation of people and goods.
This event was also marked by the launch of celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the death of Mozambique’s first President, Samora Machel. Chapo stressed the key role played by Machel in the liberation of other African countries. He described him as a towering figure in the history of Mozambique, of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and of the entire continent. (MT)
