Africa Monitor Intelligence

Mozambique: FRELIMO blocks regional force in Cabo Delgado

The military success of the Islamic-inspired insurgent armed groups in Palma, which occupied and abandoned the town strategically, allowed them to collect combat equipment, vehicles, money, medicines and food, granting means and operational capacity to prepare for a likely attack on Pemba in a timeframe that may not be immediate.
New offensives are expected during the period of Ramadan (before mid-May.2021) against equally strategic locations such as Mueda, known as the capital of the makonde ethnicity and Montepuez. There are currently concentrations of armed cells in Nangade, Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Macomia and Quissanga.
Faced with the scenario of constant losses, PR FILIPE NYUSI (FN), under internal and mainly external criticism due to the lack of protection of populations and expatriates in Palma, was forced to position himself regarding international assistance. FN´s apparent openness to discuss the matter was emptied in the face of the lack of support within FRELIMO regarding the use of foreign troops and the persistence of divisions among SADC members. READ MORE