In the midst of a security and political crisis, Mozambique has launched its 2025 military census, emphasizing the role of youth in defending the nation.
The government aims to register over 220,000 young people as the country faces a terrorist insurgency in the north and post-election tensions.
The military census, which began on January 2 and will run until February 28, is being conducted nationwide and in Mozambican diplomatic missions abroad.
Operating under the slogan, “Military census: For a youth at the forefront of defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the initiative targets Mozambican citizens of both genders aged 18 to 35.
According to Jorge Delfim Leonel, human resources director in Mozambique’s Ministry of National Defence, the campaign aims to enlist approximately 221,141 individuals, comprising 147,114 men and 74,027 women.
To streamline the process, 1,670 registration centres have been established nationwide, consisting of 1,499 fixed brigades and 171 mobile units.
The census comes at a time when Mozambique is grappling with an Islamist insurgency in its northern province, a conflict that has destabilized the region for years.
Politically, the nation remains tense following disputes over the results of the October 2023 presidential election where the victory of Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo was contested by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane.
Eligible citizens are required to present identification, an academic certificate or declaration, and proof of residence.
Leonel emphasized that individuals failing to register within the stipulated time frame will have an additional 30 days to comply, after which they may face legal penalties.
