Mozambique: British embassy advises against all but essential travel to select areas in Cabo Delgado Province as of June 17

Event

British officials issued an alert June 16 advising against all but essential travel to Ancuabe and Metuge districts, Cabo Delgado Province. French officials have also reiterated their warning against all travel in the Cabo Delgado Province. Officials cited the increased threat from insurgents and risks of armed clashes with armed vigilante groups and Mozambican security forces in both areas. The updated warnings follow recent security incidents in both areas June 8-15. On June 8, suspected militants carried out an attack on the Grafex graphite mine, located in Ancuabe District. On June 15, a bus, truck, and house were burned down in Mieze, Metuge District. While police have attributed the incident to criminals, the involvement of insurgents can not be ruled out. Separate incidents were reported in Mecufi and Chiure districts. Following the security incidents, officials in Pemba organized security escorts to and from Pemba.

British officials further advised against all but essential travel to Palma town and Afungi peninsula, having previously advised against all travel. As a reminder, British officials advise against all travel to the districts of Mueda, Nangade, Palma, Mocimboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Meluco, Macomia, Quissanga and Ibo in Cabo Delgado province, including the islands off the coast, due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism.

Increased military operations are likely in the aforementioned areas, along with checkpoints, and random searches of vehicles and persons, over the near term. Attacks and armed clashes cannot be ruled out.

Context

Mozambique's north, particularly Cabo Delgado Province and, to a lesser degree Niassa Province, has seen a notable escalation in attacks on security forces since October 2017. The attacks are linked to alleged Islamist militants under the name Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jamo (ASWJ). Local community leaders blamed the attacks on a group of radicalized youths calling themselves Al-Shabaab, without any proven connection with the Somalia-based group. Since 2020, the militant group has shown an ability to temporarily seize urban centers, increasing concerns that the violence could further threaten economically important oil and gas investment in the province as companies increase their investment in the nascent sector. Following the deployment of the SADC Mission in Mozambique |(SAMIM) force, combined local and international forces have retaken key urban areas occupied by insurgents.

The most recent attacks in June indicate that insurgents are moving closer to Pemba and may be seeking to lay preparatory work for an incursion into the city itself. Alternatively, the attacks closer to Pemba may indicate that pressure from government and SAMIM troops is pushing the insurgents away from their traditional strongholds in Macomia District.

The militants' self-reliance may contribute to the difficulty the government has had in tracking down and identifying its support networks; however, the group may be receiving support from other regional militant groups.

Advice

Consider deferring nonessential travel to Cabo Delgado until government forces manage to stabilize the security landscape. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Liaise with trusted security partners for further information. Travel in convoy after a full security review of the route and avoid all travel after dark. Review and update contingency plans. Carry personal identification documents while traveling throughout Cabo Delgado. Heed all security personnel instructions.