Cabo Delgado under tension: attack in Macomia causes population to flee and widespread looting

Insecurity once again marks the central area of ​​Cabo Delgado province, where an armed group, allegedly linked to terrorist movements, carried out an attack on the village of Nkoe, in the district of Macomia, on the afternoon of last Friday (10).

The attack occurred around 3 pm, in a location situated about 30 kilometers from the main town. Despite the violence of the act, no human casualties were reported, as the population had already abandoned the village moments before, after receiving warnings about the group's approach.

According to reports from local residents, the attackers focused primarily on looting, taking virtually everything they found. After the looting, the group left the area at dusk without any confrontation with security forces.

Sources on the ground indicate that the insurgents were spotted by a Local Force position, but there was no confrontation, allegedly due to the small number of troops present.

Data from ACLED (Mozambique Conflict Monitoring Project) points to a recent intensification of activity by armed groups in the region. Movements were recorded in villages such as Litandacua, in Macomia, and Miangaleua, in the Muidumbe district.

According to a report published on April 8, after a period of relative calm of almost two weeks in Macomia, attacks resumed, with actions previously reported in mining areas such as Ravia and Matandane at the end of March. The document also states that, on the 29th of the same month, three alleged members of the extremist group Islamic State surrendered to Rwandan forces stationed in Mucojo.

The situation once again highlights the volatile security situation in Cabo Delgado, keeping entire populations in a constant state of alert and displacement.

Source: Mozambique Letter