DELPAZ, a new programme, will help boost development in Mozambique
By Helvisney Cardoso
UN Mozambique Communications, Reporting and Outreach Specialist
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“Our joy is renewed as we see that DELPAZ will boost the development of our country”
Affirmed the Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation during the launch of DELPAZ – Local Development for Peace Consolidation Programme – which uses UNCDF locally led development approach
Known as DELPAZ (Local Development for Peace Consolidation Programme), the 26-million Euro programme was launched on 14 October in central Mozambique by H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ms. Veronica Macamo Dlhovo, with the presence of local government Administrators, State Secretaries, Governors and the international community.
As part of the European Union’s comprehensive support to consolidate the Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement, DELPAZ Local Government component will use UNCDF locally led development approach to contribute to the improvement of inclusive local governance and economic recovery of rural communities in 14 districts and municipalities affected by conflict, COVID-19 and climate change in Central Mozambique.
Helena Tomo Phumbe and her husband Francisco Basil Taibo pictured outside their home in Inhaminga, Cheringoma district, one of the 14 districts participating in the DELPAZ Programme. The couple say peace means families can be reunited as former combatants return home. “Our call, and our request, is for everyone to come back because we are all equal. There are no differences and there is no need to fight between brothers. When we are all together, we live freely, and we can grow and without fear.”
Credit: UNCDF/Karel Prinsloo
The Maputo Accord, officially the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation, was signed in August 2019 by President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi and Renamo opposition leader Ossufo Momade. It formally put an end to decades of conflict and insecurity. The landmark peace deal has paved the way for a better future for the people in the central area of Mozambique.
“It is with great satisfaction that we note the reiterated commitment of the European Union and the UN in contributing to the Consolidation of Peace in Mozambique, through support for the economic, social, sustainable and inclusive development of our country,” affirmed H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ms. Veronica Macamo Dlhovo.
“We are glad that men and women are joining the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process, thus embracing peace. Our joy is renewed as we see that DELPAZ will boost the development of our country,” said H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
DELPAZ aims at improving economic opportunities in conflict-affected communities with a special focus on women, youth, other disadvantaged groups, including ex-combatants, their families, and thus contribute to more equitable social and economic development of the whole country. Activities include investments in economic infrastructure, as well as improving access to public services and promoting technology and agricultural practices and entrepreneurship.
“This pioneering project, if successful, and we believe it will be, could be replicated in other regions of the country, in particular in the districts that were affected by terrorism in Cabo Delgado Province”, continued H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Mozambique, Mr. Mirko Manzoni, highlighted that the programme signaled a key opportunity to reflect on both the accomplishments and future investments towards peace in Mozambique.
“As the focus of the peace process shifts to long-term sustainability, and as more beneficiaries settle in their self-selected communities, reintegration and reconciliation activities become of increasing importance; […] By involving everyone, we give peace the best chance to succeed”, stressed the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Mozambique.
Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Mozambique, Mirko Manzoni, says DELPAZ "represents a key opportunity for us to reflect on achievements and future investments for peace in Mozambique."
Credit: UNCDF/Mbuto Machili
In his turn, the European Union Ambassador to Mozambique, Antonio Sánchez-Benedito Gaspar, said “the programme will also address the fundamental issue of trust in state institutions - people in these communities need to feel that their voice is heard and that they can really shape their own future, (…) so that there is no reason to return to violence in any way or for any reason.”
DELPAZ is conducted in partnership with the Mozambican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and authorities at national and local level, in the provinces of Sofala, Manica and Tete. It began implementation in July 2021 and will run over a four-year period with the technical support of the UN Capital Development Fund, Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and Italian Agency For Development Cooperation (AICS).
UNCDF locally led development approach
The three provinces have suffered the impacts of conflict but also the impacts climate change with droughts, floods, cyclones, and coastal erosion having significantly impacted people and the economy with greater intensity in recent years. In the past two years, four tropical cyclones hit the region leaving 2 million people displaced.
“The UN Capital Development Fund role in DELPAZ is to support the authorities in strengthening the inclusion of local voices and experiences in participatory planning processes and investment cycles, as a solid foundation for promoting adaptation to climate, lasting peace, national reconciliation and inclusive sustainable development”, affirmed Ramon Cervera, UNCDF Representative in Mozambique.
"Using UNCDF locally led development approach, DELPAZ will contribute to the improvement of inclusive local governance and economic recovery of rural communities in 14 conflict-affected districts and municipalities in central Mozambique" - Ramon Cervera, UNCDF Mozambique.
Photo: UNCDF/Mbuto Machili
DELPAZ will enhance inclusive governance and promote climate action by providing capacity building and technical assistance to local governments and local consultative councils so that communities can actively participate in planning, budgeting, and other local governance processes in a gender-sensitive manner.
Through DELPAZ, local authorities will listen to the voices and needs of local communities in defining and selecting essential infrastructure and public services to be provided by the districts themselves to communities in order to promote local sustainable development and adaptation to climate change.
“We believe that through existing public policies and through national public management financial systems, an effective and efficient locally led development is possible. Local adaptation plans and local socio-economic development plans are the means to achieve this goal”, stressed Ramon Cervera, UNCDF Representative in Mozambique.“
Through UNCDF, DELPAZ will pave the way for public funding – through the Austrian Development Cooperation and Italian Agency for Development Cooperation - to finance social, economic, and resilient development, reinforcing the presence of small-medium enterprises to deliver services and equipment for local populations and strengthening rural livelihoods.
A family reunited after participating in the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process in Sofala Province, August 2020.
Credit: Peace Process Secretariat.
The Maputo Accord
Witnessed by former and current Presidents of the African continent and supported by the United Nations, African Union and the European Union, the Maputo Accord foresees major political reform, including decentralization of power, greater transparency and more equitable resource allocation and a programme for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR).
To support the implementation of the Peace Agreement, the Secretary-General of the United Nations appointed Mirko Manzoni as his Personal Envoy to Mozambique, then President of the Contact Group of the international community together with RENAMO and FRELIMO.
On August 17, 2021, the total number of demobilized combatants reached 2,708 (156 women, 2,552 men). In all, about 52 percent of all combatants have already been demobilized. DDR activities took place at 11 RENAMO bases, and its other 10 bases were fully closed.
Despite the challenges arising from COVID-19, the implementation of the peace agreement continues.
