Mozambique: Security forces kill Renamo gunmen in Manica province July 23

Event

On Thursday, July 23, the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) announced that they had killed five armed men from the Juntar Militar de Renamo during a confrontation in Manica province. The incident occurred at the administrative post of Dombe in Sussundenga district. Weapons and ammunition were also seized in the security operation.

Further security operations and clashes are possible in the area in the near term.

Context

In August 2019, the Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement was signed between President Filipe Nyusi and Renamo leader Ossufo Momade which called for the immediate disarmament and reintegration into society of more than 5000 Renamo rebels.

While Renamo's political leaders remain committed to the ongoing peace process and the August 2019 ceasefire agreement, several small factions have rejected the deals negotiated by Momade and threatened to continue insurgent attacks until he resigns. The splinter group, known locally as the Renamo Military Junta, has staged dozens of attacks on security forces and civilian vehicles on highways in the central provinces of Manica and Sofala since Frelimo's controversial victory in the October 2019 general election, continuing tactics used extensively by the group during the 2013-2016 insurgency. However, Momade and other Renamo leaders have claimed that the rebel faction has insufficient support, capabilities, and resources to sustain a significant insurgency campaign.

Advice

Those in Manica province are advised to monitor developments and should heed all directives issued by local authorities.