Mozambique: Indian and Portuguese nationals kidnapped April 11 and 13 respectively in Maputo

Event

Two separate kidnappings have been reported in Maputo in mid-April. On April 11, an Indian national was abducted by unidentified assailants along Avenida Romao Fernandes Farinha. A Portuguese dual national was kidnapped by unidentified assailants along Avenida Mao Tse Tung near the Portuguese diplomatic mission, at approximately 11:00 April 13. Further details regarding the identity of the kidnappers, the potential motive for the abduction, or details regarding any possible ransom demands, are unclear.

Context

The threat of kidnapping in Mozambique is moderate. The most common type of abduction in Mozambique is basic opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom. Organized crime has an extended history in Mozambique and kidnapping activity is closely tied to high levels of crime and police and institutional corruption; kidnap levels are highest in major urban centers, such as Maputo. Matola, Beira, and Nampula are periodically affected. Middle- to high-income business owners, members of the south Asian and Chinese communities, and persons of Portuguese descent are primarily targeted. Western visitors may also be affected. The majority of kidnappings are resolved through a ransom payment, and both local and foreign victims are seldom killed. Although the number of hostages killed by their captors is low, the potential for hostages to be injured or killed increases marginally in the event of a security force operation to gain their release.