Mozambique: Suspected rebels attack civilian bus in Muxungue-Save area (Sofala province) August 30

Event

Suspected rebels wounded two bus drivers in an armed attack on a passenger bus along the National Road Number 1 (EN1) in the Muxungue-Save area (Sofala province) on Sunday, August 30. No passengers were wounded in the incident. Sofala police are yet to comment on the attack and it was not immediately clear who was responsible for the shooting; however, Renamo rebels have carried out similar attacks in the past.

Similar militant attacks in Sofala province are possible in the coming days and weeks.

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 Sofala province are advised to remain vigilant, report any suspicious objects or behavior, and follow all instructions issued by the local authorities.