Security Overview for Mozambique

A protracted civil war, which raged for 17 years, started right after Mozambique achieved independence from Portugal in 1975. Today the country is still struggling to recover from the war. The economy is dependent on external financial assistance from the World Bank and other organizations and can only be described as fledgling and fragile at best. As in other Third World countries, corruption is rife within the government, leading to an unstable economy.

Crime is a significant threat to travelers to Mozambique. Violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, home invasions and assault, all often associated with firearms and knives, are common occurrences. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft are everyday occurrences. Avoid displaying affluence. Avoid walking alone on any of the streets in Maputo or any of the other large urban areas. Private security companies operate in numbers in Maputo and physical security measures aimed against crime are prevalent everywhere. Burglar bars, alarm systems, lighting, dogs, and security guards are evident in most residential areas throughout the city.

Avoid unescorted road travel. Landmines left over from the country's civil war still pose a threat in the country's central and southern provinces, specifically in Sofala, Tete, Manica, Gaza, Inhambane, and Maputo. Armed bandits also pose a serious threat to road travelers. Roadblocks are common and may be used by security forces to extort bribes from road users. Coordinate any travel, even at daytime, and drive in multi-vehicle convoys. Never travel at nighttime, even in urban areas.

Even though political opposition and organized labor groups are active, incidents of civil unrest are uncommon in Mozambique; heavy-handed police actions in dealing with civil unrest in the past might be a reason. Such actions by the police are the result of poor training and a lack of equipment to deal with civil unrest.

No known international terrorist groups operate in Mozambique nor are there any active domestic terrorist groups. Very little, if any, anti-West sentiment is evident in the country. While foreigners may be targeted during crimes, they are not targeted because of their country of origin but because they are associated with wealth. Pirate activity off the coast of Mozambique has become a serious threat to maritime shipping companies and tourist activity.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.