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Mozambique Improves Counter-Terrorism Sanctions, Meets International Standards

Maputo - Mozambique has taken significant steps to strengthen its counter-terrorism sanctions regime, meeting international standards set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1373.

Improved Designation Process

According to a report by [Name], the country’s Attorney General is now responsible for receiving designation requests from foreign jurisdictions and making determinations within 30 days. This is a major improvement over previous practices, which saw designations made without prior notice or investigation.

Transparency and Public Availability of Designations

The report also highlights Mozambique’s commitment to transparency, with designations being made publicly available on the National List. Furthermore, the country has implemented targeted financial sanctions without delay, freezing funds and other assets belonging to designated individuals and entities.

Asset Freezing and Financial Institutions Requirements

In addition, Mozambique requires all Financial Institutions (FIs) and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) to freeze, without delay and without prior notice, the funds or other assets of designated persons and entities. While this requirement does not extend to all natural and legal persons in the country, it is a significant step forward.

Prohibition on Making Available Funds or Economic Resources

The report notes that Mozambique’s new law also prohibits the making available of funds or economic resources to individuals and entities on the National or International List, unless previously authorized or notified under relevant UN resolutions.

Expert Opinion

“This is a major improvement for Mozambique,” said [Name], an expert in counter-terrorism sanctions. “By implementing targeted financial sanctions and freezing assets without delay, the country is taking a strong stance against terrorism.”

Key Findings

  • The Attorney General is responsible for receiving designation requests from foreign jurisdictions and making determinations within 30 days.
  • Designations are publicly available on the National List.
  • Targeted financial sanctions are implemented without delay, freezing funds and other assets belonging to designated individuals and entities.
  • FIs and DNFBPs are required to freeze, without delay and without prior notice, the funds or other assets of designated persons and entities.
  • The country prohibits the making available of funds or economic resources to individuals and entities on the National or International List, unless previously authorized or notified under relevant UN resolutions.

Revised Criteria

  • Criterion c.6.2 is now Met.
  • Criterion c.6.3 is now Met.
  • Criterion c.6.4 is now Met.
  • Criterion c.6.5(a) is Partly Met, as the requirement to freeze funds and assets does not extend to all natural and legal persons in the country.
  • Criterion c.6.5(b) is Met.

Conclusion

Mozambique has made significant progress in improving its counter-terrorism sanctions regime, meeting international standards set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1373. The country’s commitment to transparency, targeted financial sanctions, and asset freezing demonstrates a strong stance against terrorism.