Maputo (Mozambique), 6 October 2022 – The Government of Norway and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC), on 6 October 2022, signed an agreement renewing Norway's support with a contribution of approximately USD 3 million to reinforce cooperation aimed at assisting the Government of Mozambique in its efforts to counter transnational organized crime. The funding pledged by the Government of Norway will support the sustainable presence of the UNODC in Mozambique and the implementation of the "Maputo Roadmap",the document that defines the framework of UNODC's intervention in Mozambique.
The Government of Mozambique is making significant efforts to strengthen its responses to the multi-layered threats facing the country and has requested UNODC's assistance in building the capacity of the criminal justice system to counter-terrorism, money laundering, and organized crime, demonstrating strong support towards UNODC's work through the implementation of the "Maputo Roadmap."
The signing ceremony took place in Maputo, at the UNODC Programme Office, and featured the participation of the UNODC Head of Office in Mozambique and Malawi, Mr. Marco Teixeira, and the Norwegian Ambassador to Mozambique, H.E. Mr. Haakon Gram-Johannessen.
Mr. Teixeira recalled the significant progress made since the endorsement of the Maputo Roadmap on countering transnational crime in the country, noting, however, that challenges remain, with criminal enterprises changing modus operandi and constantly finding new opportunities to enlarge their profits. On this backdrop, Mr. Teixeira acknowledged that the financial assistance of the Kingdom of Norway to UNODC is decisive in enabling the implementation of activities in support of national partners.
H.E. Haakon Gram-Johannessen reiterated Norway's commitment towards the Maputo Roadmap and the Government's efforts to prevent and counter organized crime with emphasis on strengthening the judicial chain and the rule of law. "We are proud partners in this undertaking, yet the challenges are considerable and we are therefore gearing up efforts", said the ambassador.
