- Mozambique government has sought International support to fight militants.
- Of late Northern Mozambique has been facing repeated attacks of jihadi militants who have partly taken over a strategic port city in the gas-rich province of Cabo Delgado
The Mozambique government has sought International support to fight militants. Of late Northern Mozambique has been facing repeated attacks of jihadi militants who have partly taken over a strategic port city in the gas-rich province of Cabo Delgado. Though Mocimboa da Praia, the port city with a population of 30,000 people, is not the most important port in the north of the country, its conquest is an embarrassment to government troops.
According to media reports, Cities such as Mocimboa da Praia, Macomia and others now resemble civil war zones, since the first attacks in October 2017. UN figures report that around 1,000 people have died in the conflict in the past three years, while some 250,000 have left for other parts of the country.
Many villages have been razed to the ground, with people fleeing their homes In the past few days. Government troops who arrived late at the scene suffered severe causalities. It is reported that troops are slowly gaining control. Foreign Minister Veronica Macamo has announced a plan to work with the Tanzanian army to prevent incursions at their shared border. The jihadis have established international connections — especially in Tanzania. Tanzania is seen as a gateway to jihadi expansion with its 30 to 40% of the Muslim population compared with 18 to 20% in Mozambique.
Political observers point out that earlier attempts by the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization with links to the Kremlin, and a security firm from South Africa failed. There have been media reports of a military cooperation deal between the Kremlin and five African countries, including Mozambique, which might bring some control if it happens.
