Africa Monitor Intelligence

Mozambique: Military Deadlock in Cabo Delgado; Training of Special Units by Portugal Moves Ahead

The Defense and Security Forces (FDS) have been reinforcing positions in the districts of Mueda and Mocímboa da Praia, the latter still under the control of Islamic-inspired armed groups active in the province of Cabo Delgado. The long-term objective is to recover the district capital and restore circulation on National Road 380, which connects to Palma.
Under preparation for APR. is the beginning of a program for training Mozambican special troops by Portuguese military instructors.
The displacement of the group, consisting of 25 Commandos and 25 Marines, will begin in MAR., after completion of the phases of selection and technical and logistical preparation of the mission.
Regional support for the Mozambican war effort has not yet been mobilized, given the absence of political decisions in this regard. The extraordinary summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), initially scheduled for MAR.2021, has been postponed to MAY-JUN.2021. The decision was taken by the SADC troika, comprising Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania.
Despite political pressure from Pretoria, South African operational capacity in anti-terrorism matters is currently limited (AM 1280) and minimizing its role affects the availability of other regional partners within the SADC and the African Union. The European Union itself, currently under the Portuguese presidency, offered to support Mozambique in terms of training, humanitarian and development aid, keeping any scenario of direct military aid at bay. READ MORE