Mozambique’s New Telecom Rules Spark Debate Over Cybersecurity and Freedom of Expression
March 16th 2026
Mozambique’s Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Américo Muchanga, says the government’s newly introduced telecommunications regulations are designed to strengthen cybersecurity and protect national stability, rather than restrict citizens’ access to the internet. However, the policy has triggered strong criticism from civil society organizations, opposition parties, and press freedom advocates who fear the rules could be used to justify internet shutdowns and limit freedom of expression.
Speaking in the capital city of Maputo, Muchanga defended the regulations as a necessary response to the growing challenges of cybercrime in the digital age. According to the minister, the government recognizes the internet as a powerful instrument for social liberation, economic growth, and technological development. At the same time, he argued that leaving the digital space completely unregulated could expose individuals, institutions, and the state to serious risks.
Muchanga emphasized that the primary goal of the regulations is to safeguard national, institutional, and individual security in an increasingly interconnected world. Governments, he noted, must adopt legal and regulatory frameworks capable of addressing online threats such as cyber fraud, digital misinformation, and other forms of cybercrime.
Despite these assurances, the regulations have faced significant opposition. Civil society groups and political opposition leaders argue that some provisions are too broadly defined and could grant authorities excessive power to restrict internet access. Critics warn that the language around “national security” could potentially be interpreted in ways that allow the government to shut down internet services during politically sensitive periods, thereby limiting public access to information and suppressing dissenting voices.
The controversy has also drawn the attention of the country’s oversight institutions. Mozambique’s Ombudsman, Isaque Chande, has formally requested that the Constitutional Council of Mozambique review the regulations and determine whether they comply with the country’s constitution. His request signals growing institutional concern that the rules may infringe on constitutionally protected rights.
Press freedom advocates have also voiced strong objections. Veteran journalist and media rights campaigner Tomas Vieira Mario rejected the government’s argument that similar internet restrictions exist in other countries. According to Mario, the legitimacy of such regulations should not be judged by international precedent but by their alignment with Mozambique’s own constitutional guarantees.
Mario stressed that any regulatory framework governing digital communication must clearly respect the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and open communication. He warned that vague or ambiguous legal language could allow authorities to interpret the regulations subjectively, potentially leading to abuse.
Instead, he called on the government to revise the regulations and remove provisions that could be used to justify arbitrary restrictions on internet access. While acknowledging the importance of protecting citizens from cyber threats, Mario argued that security measures must not come at the expense of fundamental democratic rights.
The debate highlights a broader global challenge faced by many governments: how to balance the need for cybersecurity and digital governance with the protection of civil liberties in the online space. As the Constitutional Council reviews the case, the outcome could shape the future of digital rights and internet governance in Mozambique.
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