The security landscape in northern Mozambique witnessed a notable improvement, facilitating the return of numerous displaced individuals to their homes in districts heavily impacted by the conflict. This conflict involves an armed group associated with the Islamic State (ISIS), locally known as Al-Shabab or “Mashababos,” and joint forces from Mozambique, Rwanda, and Southern Africa. Despite the government’s announcement of the death of Bonomade Machude Omar, the alleged leader of Al-Shabab, the group’s operations persisted in the Macomia and Mocimboa da Praia districts.
Allegations of misconduct surfaced against members of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), specifically concerning the mistreatment of deceased individuals in Cabo Delgado. Simultaneously, state security forces continued to employ excessive force, along with arbitrary arrests and detentions, to suppress peaceful protests nationwide. Parliament mandated a review of a proposed law that could grant the government excessive powers to interfere with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), potentially including the authority to shut them down. In international affairs, Mozambique commenced a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Violence in Northern Mozambique
Throughout the year, the security situation in northern Mozambique improved significantly, leading to a wave of returns to Palma and Mocimboa da Praia districts, areas previously ravaged by armed conflict. The UNHCR indicated that 420,000 internally displaced persons returned to their places of origin. However, substantial numbers remained displaced due to ongoing violence. For many returnees, access to essential resources such as food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education remained a major challenge, as they encountered widespread destruction in their home areas. Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders, MSF) reported that Mocimboa da Praia, hosting the largest returnee population, suffered extensive damage to public infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, health centers, and water systems.
Combat between Al-Shabab and Mozambican defense and security forces, supported by Rwandan and SAMIM contingents, intensified in Macomia district. Militants reportedly inflicted casualties on soldiers in July and August.
In August, the Mozambican armed forces announced the killing of Bonomade Machude Omar, identified as the alleged leader of Al-Shabab and known by aliases such as Abu Sulayfa Muhammad and Ibn Omar. However, in September, just a month after his reported death, militants reportedly returned to Mucojo town in Macomia district, where they allegedly assaulted three individuals. Also in September, in an attack claimed by ISIS in Naquitengue village, Mocimboa da Praia, armed individuals executed at least 11 people believed to be Christians.
Conduct of Security Forces in Cabo Delgado
Concerns over the conduct of SAMIM members were raised due to alleged abuses during military operations in Cabo Delgado province. A video circulating on social media in January depicted South African soldiers, part of the SAMIM forces, disposing of corpses by burning them on a pile of rubble. International humanitarian law strictly prohibits the mutilation and disrespectful handling of the deceased. The SADC condemned the actions shown in the video and announced an investigation, but updates on its progress remain pending.
In April, the Mozambican government legally authorized a controversial militia to engage Al-Shabab in the northern regions. This militia, largely composed of demobilized soldiers, had been operating since 2018 without formal oversight, accountability, or legal framework, since former soldiers initially offered their services to combat the insurgency. Their operations have frequently been linked to unlawful killings and other human rights violations.
Election-Related Violence
The municipal elections held on October 11 were marred by violence and significant irregularities, prompting district courts to mandate reruns or vote recounts in numerous municipalities.
Following the elections, clashes erupted between police and opposition party members across the nation. Police deployed excessive force and tear gas against crowds of RENAMO party supporters protesting or celebrating unofficial results in cities including Nampula, Cuamba, Moatize, and Vilankulos.
Police were also implicated in the arbitrary detention of opposition members throughout the electoral period. On October 12, Manuel de Araujo, the RENAMO candidate and mayor of Quelimane city, was detained, allegedly for visiting polling stations, which police claimed was “disturbing” the vote-counting process. Earlier that month, police in Beira city arrested three members of the MDM party, the ruling opposition in that city. They were released after a judge found no legal justification for their arrests.
Freedom of Assembly and Association
The freedoms of peaceful assembly and association faced challenges as the government submitted a draft law on nonprofit organizations to parliament. This law could permit excessive government interference in NGOs, potentially allowing for their closure. The government stated the law aimed to counter money laundering and terrorist financing, following Mozambique’s placement under increased monitoring by the Financial Activities Task Force (FATF) in 2021. After advocacy from rights organizations, parliamentarians approved a revised draft in August, cautioning the government against undermining fundamental rights in the pursuit of financial security.
Right to Peaceful Protest
State security forces employed lethal force, arbitrary arrests, and detentions to restrict the right to peaceful protest across the country.
In March, police used tear gas during the funeral procession of popular Mozambican rapper Edson da Luz, “Azagaia,” who passed away due to sudden illness. As the funeral convoy and thousands approached an area near the president’s residence in Maputo, a restricted zone, armored vehicles and riot police blocked the road. Police ordered a change of route and then, without warning, deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Also in March, police in Beira city detained at least three individuals for participating in a tribute march for Azagaia. Police halted the march midway, despite prior authorization. A police source indicated to journalists that orders were given to prevent the march from proceeding.
In May, in Nacala-Porto, Nampula province, police gunfire resulted in four deaths when a group attacked homes and properties of local officials, spurred by false rumors about a cholera outbreak.
In August, police prevented a public health fair organized by the Mozambican Medical Association in Maputo. Police claimed the doctors lacked authorization and dispersed both medical professionals and patients. A doctors’ spokesperson stated they had obtained city council authorization and were even provided municipal furniture for the event.
Unresolved Kidnappings
Kidnappings for ransom persisted throughout the country, with ongoing failures in police investigations. Attorney-General Beatriz Buchili criticized police complicity in kidnapping cases, citing the involvement of “members of the police, lawyers, magistrates, and other judiciary figures” as undermining investigations.
In January, a businessman kidnapped in Matola in December 2022 was found dead, after kidnappers directed his family to retrieve him due to his deteriorating health.
In July, a liquor shop owner in Maputo was kidnapped in front of his store on a busy city street. Local media reported that his family had a history of kidnapping victimization.
In September, residents thwarted an attempted kidnapping of a businessman near two police stations in a busy Maputo neighborhood.
Despite police pledges to investigate these cases, no updates on investigations had been announced by the time of this report.
Key International Partners
Mozambique commenced a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. In March, as it assumed the council’s rotating presidency for the first time, President Filipe Nyusi advocated for enhanced cooperation between the Security Council and the African Union (AU) to combat terrorism in Africa and the Middle East.
The European Council approved €20 million to support Rwanda’s Defense Force deployment in Cabo Delgado. The European Union also provided €89 million and a Training Mission (EUTM) to the Mozambican Armed Forces.
In January, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield visited Mozambique, focusing on “regional security, food insecurity, humanitarian issues, and supporting African climate change mitigation efforts.”
In June, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat praised the closure of the last military base of RENAMO, the former rebel group and main opposition party, as “a significant contribution to silencing the guns in Africa.”
In July, SADC leaders in Luanda agreed to extend the SAMIM military mission in Mozambique for another year to solidify “gains achieved.”
Alt texts for images:
Damaged buildings in Mocimboa da Praia, Mozambique, highlighting the destruction faced by returning residents.Map of Northern Mozambique Cabo Delgado province, indicating the region affected by security concerns and displacement.(This image is not provided in the original article, but adding a relevant image and alt text can improve SEO and user understanding of the geographical context.)
Integrating “Where Is The Mozambique Current”:
In the introduction, I can add a sentence like:
Mozambique, a nation located on the southeastern coast of Africa, faces complex security challenges in its northern regions. Situated along the Indian Ocean, the country is influenced by the Mozambique Current, a warm water current flowing southward through the Mozambique Channel. While the nation grapples with internal conflicts, understanding its geographical context, including the major ocean current that shapes its coastal environment, provides a broader perspective. This report delves into the security situation in northern Mozambique during the past year…
This integration is weak and somewhat forced, but it’s a way to include the keyword geographically. It’s important to prioritize the article’s main topic and avoid making the keyword integration too unnatural.
SEO Considerations:
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