Last Update: 6th July 2023
Summary / Overview: Mozambique
Macomia, Cabo Delgado: Eight military personnel killed: Unknown insurgents killed eight members of the Mozambican Armed Defence Forces (FADM), on 30 June, in an ambush at Cobre village, Macomia, Cabo Delgado area:
· The Islamic State-affiliated (IS) news agency Amaq, reported the ambush on 02 July stating that during an attack on the insurgents’ camp “at least 10 Rwandan and Mozambican forces” were killed, though photos on the site show only eight bodies; the report has not been verified. IS also claimed that the group had captured one soldier who was pictured in the photos wearing the uniform of a FADM commando.
· Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) told local media (Zitamar) that this was “very fake news”. A counter-insurgency operation was launched against insurgents in Macomia on 27 June, with a security service source reporting to local media that there were at least 200 – 400 insurgents still active in the Cabo Delgado area, especially around the administrative post of Quiterajo.
The counter-insurgency operation follows a period of stability in the area, with the last incident on 31 January when insurgents beheaded at least 14 members of the Naparama local militia in Meluco district. The FADM soldiers killed on 30 June were tasked with attacking an insurgent base near the Messalo river about 25km north of Cobre, according to local media, though this again has not been verified. However, with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, in May, attempting to persuade the French company Total to restart its $20 billion (around €18 billion) gas project along the Palma to Pemba coastline, it is likely that this was part of the move to ensure security within the area, as well as encourage Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) to return. At least 30 vehicles from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) are now reinforcing Macomia, and further counter-insurgency operations are likely within the area, with a consequent rise in clashes between military units and insurgents.
