Security is the theme of two recent stories from Mozambique. One is a UN-supported alliance to extend awareness of potential cybercrime, while the other involves a controversial attempt – now blocked by a court order – to authorise the state to block telecommunications services.
The alliance, targeting electronic fraud, digital scams, improper data exposure, and ransomware, is between Mozambique’s National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (INTIC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The two groups have launched a nationwide campaign in Maputo to combat ransomware and establish cybersecurity standards across public and private sectors.
The initiative aims to educate citizens and institutions about mounting digital hazards, encouraging the proactive adoption of robust security measures.
ITWeb Africa says INTIC and the UNODC are rolling out educational materials, instructional videos, and public safety guidance detailing practical steps to prevent and respond to ransomware.
African readiness – or lack of it – to tackle cybercrime has been highlighted recently by Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organisation, as we reported last week.
Meanwhile Mozambique’s Constitutional Council has ruled unconstitutional several provisions of a government decree that authorises the state to block telecommunications services, including internet access, during perceived threats to public or national security.
The government adopted the Telecommunications Traffic Control Decree on December 16, 2025. The decree granted the Mozambique National Communications Institute (INCM) the authority to suspend telecommunications services, including internet access, in the event of an « imminent risk to public security or state security”.
The decree also authorised authorities to monitor communications, collect user data and intervene directly in telecommunications operators’ networks to enforce government decisions.
As the Ecofin news agency says, Article 5 of the decree allowed the government to order internet shutdowns based on its own assessment of potential security threats.
However, the Constitutional Council has ruled that the government had exceeded its constitutional authority by regulating restrictions on fundamental rights through an executive decree, insisting that only Mozambique’s Parliament, has the constitutional authority to legislate on matters affecting fundamental rights and freedoms.
There have been a number of attempts by African governments to shut down the internet during periods of political unrest, notably, as we reported in January, in Uganda. There has also been controversy over attempts to manage cybercrime in ways that could increase state surveillance and restrict freedom of expression.