Manica between weapons and gold: the militarization of mines and the dilemma of development

The recent presence of the Mozambique Armed Defense Forces (FADM) in the gold and gemstone mines of Manica province raises an urgent debate: are we facing a national security strategy or a dangerous militarization of natural resources?

The government argues that the measure aims to curb illegal mining, reduce smuggling, and ensure that mining revenues revert to the state. In fact, the losses caused by clandestine mining are substantial and threaten the national economy. However, the way this "security" is being implemented raises social, political, and ethical concerns.

Security or social exclusion? In several areas of Manica, artisanal mining represents the sole source of livelihood for thousands of families. By prioritizing military intervention, the state risks criminalizing poverty and ignoring the structural causes of the problem: unemployment, the lack of inclusive policies, and the absence of effective civilian oversight. Local communities often do not participate in defining policies regarding the exploitation of their own resources. Instead of promoting dialogue and socioeconomic integration, the deployment of armed forces tends to deepen feelings of exclusion and distrust toward the government.

Abuses and Corruption in Mining Areas: There are reports of extortion, violence, and corruption in some military operations, undermining the legitimacy of the FADM's presence. The lack of transparency and independent oversight mechanisms creates fertile ground for the misappropriation of resources and the emergence of parallel networks of illicit enrichment. When the management of mineral resources is placed under arms control, there is a risk of transforming national defense into an instrument of economic power.

A New Model of Mining Governance: Mine safety should not mean militarization, but rather good governance. The country needs to strengthen public administration, legalize and support artisanal mining in a sustainable manner, create mechanisms for redistributing profits, and involve local communities in decision-making. Defending national resources must be done through responsible social and environmental policies, not through weapons.

Manica's gold is a symbol of Mozambique's potential, but also of its contradictions. Transforming it into shared wealth requires more than armed patrols—it requires social justice, transparency, and equitable development.