Mozambique: Suspected Renamo gunmen target civilian vehicle in Manica province November 25

Event

Suspected Renamo Military Junta gunmen attacked a passing vehicle in the Dombe area of Sussundenga (Manica province) on Wednesday afternoon, November 25, injuring two people and causing material damage. The victims were transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment. Responsibility for the attack was not immediately claimed and the motive for the shooting was not immediately clear.

Further low-level attacks by Renamo rebels are likely in Manica province in the medium 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, including travelling in escorted convoys where possible.