Mozambique: Foreign security force deployment extended in Cabo Delgado Province as of Aug. 18 amid persistent insecurity

Event

Authorities extended the deployment of military personnel from the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) in Cabo Delgado Province as of Aug. 18; officials did not immediately announce when the SAMIM mandate would end. The move comes amid persistent Islamist militant attacks on military and civilian targets, including mining sites, in much of the province.

Authorities will almost certainly maintain an increased security posture in the affected areas of Cabo Delgado and may erect roadblocks or restrict access on some roads. Security-related operations could result in localized ground transport disruptions. Increased vehicle checks are also likely on roads leading to and from larger urban centers. Despite the extension of the SAMIM deployment, further militant attacks remain possible.

Context

Mozambique's north, particularly Cabo Delgado Province and, to a lesser degree, Niassa Province, has been subject to an Islamist insurgency since October 2017. Attacks are linked to militants under the name Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jamo (ASWJ), also known as Ansar al-Sunna, which has, in turn, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS). Local community leaders have 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 major urban centers in the province, including Palma and Mocimboa de Praia. This has raised concerns that the violence could threaten economically important oil and gas investments in Cabo Delgado as companies seek to increase their investments in the nascent sector.

Following the deployment of the SAMIM force in July 2021, combined local and international forces have retaken key urban areas occupied by the insurgents, pushing them further inland and into more rural areas. Nonetheless, insecurity persists; the militants operate in relatively autonomous cells, and their self-reliance contributes to the difficulty the government has had in tracking down and identifying their support networks.

As of August 2022, the insurgency in Cabo Delgado has killed over 3,000 people and displaced over 800,000 more since its inception in 2017. In an incident in early August, militants attempted to overrun the town of Nangade, the administrative center of the namesake district; however, security personnel killed or captured the attackers. This was the first militant attack on Nangade. In addition, militants attacked a security force base in Namuembe in early August, stealing weapons and ammunition. Namuembe is located around 30 km (18 miles) south of Nangade town. Militant-led attacks have also occurred in Macomia, Meluco, Mocimboa de Praia, and Muidumbe districts in recent weeks.

In response to the insurgency, various foreign governments are maintaining travel advisories for the province:

• The UK government advises against all travel to Mueda, Nangade, Palma, Mocimboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Meluco, Macomia, Quissanga, and Ibo districts in Cabo Delgado Province, including the islands off the coast. The government also advises against nonessential travel to Ancuabe and Metuge districts, as well as Palma town and the Afungi Peninsula.

• The US government advises against all travel to Ancuabe, Chuire, Ibo, Macomia, Meluco, Metuge, Mocimboa da Praia, Mueda, Muidumbe, Nangade, Palma, and Quissanga districts, and instructs travelers to reconsider travel to Pemba in Cabo Delgado Province.

• The Australian government has advised against all travel to Cabo Delgado Province and instructed its nationals to leave the province if safe to do so.

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.