Insurgents have intensified attacks on civilians in Cabo Delgado while tightening its control in parts of the province, a development that could trigger further displacement and hamper humanitarian operations, according to a new report by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED).
The report says Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) increasingly targeted civilians in the districts of Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe and Macomia during August and September while imposing tighter security measures in Mocímboa da Praia that have constrained commercial activity and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
ACLED warned that growing restrictions in the town could fuel tensions among residents and create conditions that insurgents could exploit.
“Evidence suggests that ISM’s return to Nangade is to draw on support from neighbouring Tanzania, a development likely to lead to tightened security measures on both sides of the border,” the report said.
The findings come amid renewed concerns about the humanitarian impact of the insurgency.
According to the International Organisation for Migration, attacks in Litandacua along the N380 highway and in the coastal settlement of Pangane displaced more than 700 people during August and September.
ACLED said civilians remain a central target of the insurgent group’s strategy, with attacks aimed at forcing displacement, generating revenue and carrying out acts of retribution.
The report recorded 11 attacks involving abductions of civilians during the reporting period, with ransoms reported in five incidents ranging from 1,500 meticais to 70,000 meticais (about US$1,086).
Analysts also warned that the recent release of three hostages abducted from a hunting camp in Niassa province could encourage further kidnappings, particularly of foreigners.
The hostages, a South African, a Zimbabwean and a Mozambican, were freed on 4 October after a ransom of 3.2 million meticais (about US$53,000 at the time) was paid.
They had been held since a raid on the camp on 3 September and were reportedly detained in the Shamba Kubwa mining area in northern Montepuez district.
The insurgency in Cabo Delgado began in 2017 when militants launched attacks on civilian and government targets in the gas-rich province.
The group later pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and has since waged a violent campaign that has killed thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Although joint operations by Mozambican forces, Rwandan troops and the Southern African Development Community mission helped recapture key towns and weaken insurgent capabilities, militants have increasingly shifted towards smaller, mobile attacks targeting remote communities, transport routes and economic activities.
JN/APA