Mozambique Launches 2025 Military Registration Drive Amidst Legislative Changes

Maputo, Mozambique - The Mozambican government officially kicked off its 2025 military registration campaign on January 2, marking a significant effort to bolster the ranks of the Armed Defence Forces of Mozambique (FADM). This year's drive, targeting individuals born in 2007 and those who missed previous registrations but are under 35, will extend until the end of March, with registration centers established in neighborhoods nationwide.

The process requires registrants to present their identity card or personal certificate, alongside documents verifying their academic qualifications. This initiative comes in the wake of legislative amendments that have extended the duration of compulsory military service from two to five years, a decision passed by the Mozambican Parliament in December 2023 and set to come into effect after June 2024.

Raimundo Diomba, the Governor of Maputo Province, emphasized the importance of registration, not just as a civic duty but as a contribution to national defense and sovereignty. "In registering for military service, young people are exercising their right of citizenship," Diomba stated during the launch event in Boane district. He highlighted that registration does not automatically mean recruitment into the FADM but is a step towards national security readiness.

The expansion of service duration is seen as a move to professionalize the military, enhance its operational capacity, and respond to the ongoing security challenges, particularly the insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. The region has been a focal point of military operations due to attacks by militants linked to the Islamic State group, prompting both national and international military involvement.

In an effort to reach Mozambicans abroad, the Ministry of National Defence has also arranged for registration through diplomatic missions globally, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity in national defense. This move has been praised for its attempt to engage the Mozambican diaspora in the country's security framework.

Later today, the Ministry  released an official statement to address public queries, clarify procedures, and perhaps outline the broader implications of the new military service law. This statement is eagerly awaited by many, including potential registrants, military families, and civil society organizations interested in the socio-economic impacts of extended military service.

The registration drive has been reported to be running smoothly, with local leaders and military officials overseeing the process. The initiative is not only about numbers but also about fostering a sense of national unity and patriotism among the youth, as highlighted by the symbolic registration of two 18-year-old students at the launch event.

As Mozambique navigates through these changes, the focus remains on strengthening national defense while ensuring that the rights and welfare of its citizens are not compromised. The success of this campaign will be measured not just by the number of registrations but by its contribution to peace, stability, and the socio-economic development of the nation.