This week, Mozambique heads to the polls to elect its next president. Its ruling party, which held control since Mozambique gained independence in the 1970’s, is challenged by candidates from three opposing parties. One of the issues at the top of voter minds is the Islamic jihadist insurgency in Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique. The insurgency group, which is affiliated with Islamic State, began waging terror in communities around 2017 and has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands. These atrocities have stalled the development of several billions of dollars’ worth of natural gas projects in the resource-rich province.
Mission agencies including The Tide have felt the effects of this insurgency as authorities have tightened restrictions on the movement of funds in and out of the country. Regulations against terrorist and illicit financing and money laundering are key elements in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, but unfortunately, humanitarian NGO’s and non-profits, including Christian missions and aid agencies, can be caught up in the dragnet.
The Tide has experienced difficulties in moving funds to local ministry teams in the weeks leading up to the October 9 elections.
Freedom in the movement of aid is a key element of foreign missions. In recent years, the western world has implemented large-scale banking regulations under the banner of fighting terrorism and illicit financing. Mission agencies around the world have felt the impact as they have had to deal with more restrictions in moving funds. This has made it more difficult for the Gospel to enter some closed countries.
Some developing countries are beginning to mimic western banking regulations as they deal with internal and external threats. However, as of now, the door remains open in much of sub-Saharan Africa including Mozambique, where the majority of the country is Christian.
Although the ruling party is expected to hold onto power, regardless of the results of the election Mozambique will have a new president. This is because the current president’s 2-term limit has expired. With new president comes the potential for changes in rules and regulations. We pray that the jihadist insurgency will be contained and freedom and security restored. Please join us in praying that Christian ministries including The Tide will continue to be able to move funds into Mozambique.
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