Mozambique: Protest in Cabo Delgado amid insecurity Sep. 27

Event

Residents in Macomia (Cabo Delgado province; north) held an anti-police protest on Thursday, September 27, to denounce rising levels of insecurity over the past year in the province. Police reportedly fired shots into the air to disperse angry protesters. Further such protests are possible in the coming days and weeks, as well as violent attacks in the near-term.

Context

Suspected Islamist militants launched an attack on Paqueue (Cabo Delgado) on September 20, killing at least 12 villagers and injuring 14 after militants set fire to the village. On the same evening, a military convoy was also attacked near the Tanzanian border, killing one army official. Though the attacks have not yet been claimed, the Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jamo/Ansar al-Sunna (Shabaab) group is suspected. The group has also been blamed for carrying out sporadic attacks against local businesses, government installations, and security force members. The September 20 attack was reportedly the deadliest in Cabo Delgado province since the group became active in October 2017.

Advice

Individuals in the affected area are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

Western governments advise against nonessential travel to parts of Cabo Delgado province. Travelers in or intending to travel to Cabo Delgado province should seek professional security support due to the volatile security environment and potential for further attacks.