Mozambique and Tanzania have signed two cooperation agreements in Maputo aimed at fighting terrorism and crime along their shared border.

The agreements were signed as part of the three-day official visit that Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is making in Mozambique, however, no details were released about the agreements.

“In ensuring that we fight against terrorists, through these relations today we have been able to sign in the area of ​​security and defense, and this is a very important step in moving forward,” said President Samia.

A deadly insurgency erupted in northern Mozambique, near the Tanzanian border, five years ago. It has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands.

But life now was “gradually returning to normal” after thousands of foreign troops from several African countries were deployed more than a year ago to quell the unrest, said Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi.

Mozambique is currently battling Islamist militants in the gas-rich northern Cabo Delgado region.

“The enemy is now operating in small groups trying to descend into the southern districts,” Nyusi said during their talks. 

In addition to fighting the jihadists, President Filipe Nyusi said the two countries are currently focused on the exploitation of hydrocarbons, which are building materials for important sources of energy such as coal and gas.

President Samia also emphasized the need for both countries to strengthen security because of the common border they share.