President Filipe Nyusi has confirmed that Mozambique’s army is currently engaged in battle with armed groups in the gas-rich province of Cabo Delgado, specifically in the town of Macomia. Since 2017, groups linked to ISIL have been causing unrest in the region, resulting in a surge of attacks this year despite heightened security measures. The recent attack on Macomia involved hundreds of fighters and was one of the most serious in the area in some time.
Piers Pigou of the Institute for Security Studies raised concerns about a security vacuum with the impending withdrawal of the Southern African troops, stating that claims of stability in the province are inaccurate. Nyusi acknowledged the challenges of this transitional period and expressed hope that the SADC forces would provide assistance. It remains uncertain if the regional force is still present in the area.
Rwanda has also deployed troops to aid in the fight against armed groups in Mozambique. The escalating violence has led to over 110,000 people being displaced since last year. The attacks come at a crucial time as major oil companies like TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil are looking to resume operations on LNG projects in the region.
Despite the security challenges, ExxonMobil remains optimistic about moving forward with its project, citing improved conditions. The situation in Cabo Delgado remains precarious, with the government and international partners working together to address the ongoing threats posed by armed groups in the region.
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