ABSTRACT
Cabo Delgado, Mozambique’s northern province, has recently faced violence perpetrated by the Ansar al-Sunna. In response to the violence, Mozambique adopted a predominantly military approach. Notwithstanding an intensified military response, Ansar al-Sunna continues to its attacks. The group remains resilient. The challenge Mozambique faces is not unique: Other African states combat violent extremist groups such as Al Shabaab and Boko Haram. There is a realisation that the military approach has limitations. Because of the resilience violent extremist groups display, states such as Nigeria, Somalia and Niger have adopted third-generation disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programmes to complement a military strategy. This chapter argues that Mozambique, by building on lessons learned from the practices followed by these states, is ripe for adopting a third-generation DDR. Further, the chapter proposes a rights-based approach to third-generation DDR in Mozambique in line with Mozambique’s obligations under international and regional human rights law.
