US Backs Mozambique With WMD Response Training, Equipment

Mintesinot Nigussie

The United States has delivered specialised training and emergency response equipment to Mozambique’s fire brigade to strengthen the country’s readiness to handle chemical, biological and radiological threats. Ten firefighters underwent targeted instruction led by the Regional Security Office at the US embassy, while authorities also received equipment designed for incidents involving weapons of mass destruction.

The programme was carried out in coordination with Mozambique’s Ministry of Interior and reflects a growing focus on emergency preparedness in southern Africa. Governments in the region are seeking to bolster response systems against complex and low-probability risks, including industrial accidents and transnational security threats.

Abigail Dressel, the US chargé d’affaires in Mozambique, said the support was intended to improve frontline capabilities and deepen operational coordination. She emphasised that first responders stand on the front lines of protecting communities and that joint training and planning efforts are central to saving lives.

The assistance forms part of a broader security partnership between Washington and Maputo, which has expanded in recent years beyond counterterrorism to include institutional capacity building and disaster response.

Officials say the latest support is expected to enhance inter-agency coordination and equip Mozambique’s emergency services with tools to manage high-risk incidents more effectively. Businesses in mining, energy and logistics operating in Mozambique will benefit from improved safety and emergency response capabilities.

The initiative highlights the deepening cooperation between the United States and Mozambique in building institutional resilience against emerging security and disaster risks.

This partnership is expected to serve as a model for similar capacity-building programmes across southern Africa in the coming years.

Overall, the US-backed training and equipment delivery marks a significant step in strengthening Mozambique’s ability to respond to complex threats and protect critical infrastructure.