Mozambique: Militants carry out series of attacks in Cabo Delgado Province June 8-11

Event

According to recent reports, suspected militants carried out an attack on the Grafex graphite mine, located in Ancuabe District of Cabo Delgado Province, June 8. The attackers reportedly beheaded two security guards at the facility. The Grafex mine, owned by Triton Minerals, is located approximately 60 km (37 miles) west of the port city of Pemba, the administrative capital of Cabo Delgado Province. The area is host to numerous other foreign-owned graphite, ruby, and other gemstone extraction projects.

In a separate incident, the Southern African Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) and Mozambican military carried out a joint raid on suspected insurgents in Namambo forest in Cabo Delgado's Macomia District June 9. The raid left one soldier dead and six more wounded. Troops also killed an undetermined number of insurgents and seized weapons.

Additionally, insurgents carried out attacks on the villages of Retene and Mazeze in Chiure District, Cabo Delgado Province, June 11. Reports are conflicting, but attackers burnt dozens of homes and a church and killed at least two people, but possibly up to 10 people. The impact area is located approximately 50 km (31 miles) southwest of Pemba.

Authorities have increased security measures in the affected area and restricted access on some roads, though the exact roads remain unclear. Security-related operations could result in localized ground transit disruptions. There are also reports of increased security measures, such as roadblocks and increased vehicle checks in Pemba.

In response to the attacks, the Australian government has advised its nationals to leave Cabo Delgado Province where safe to do so.

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 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 Macomina 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.