[ACCLEDdata] OVERVIEW
Over August and September, Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) has increasingly targeted civilians in Mocimboa da Praia, Muidumbe, and Macomia districts. In September, the group returned to threaten communities in Nangade. The response in MocÃmboa da Praia town has been to tighten security measures, which has constrained commercial and humanitarian activity. As a result, the town is likely to become more tense. That tension may be directed toward the state, either through protests or increased collaboration with ISM.
Evidence suggests that ISM’s return to Nangade is to draw on support from neighboring Tanzania, a development likely to lead to tightened security measures on both sides of the border.
Meanwhile, the early October release of hostages taken by ISM in Niassa province last month in return for ransom is likely to embolden the group to target foreigners for abduction in the future. This will concern humanitarian organizations across Cabo Delgado, mining companies active around the Montepuez district, and Niassa province’s tourism sector.
More at the link |