Tension in Salamanga: Conflict between the Community and Rangers of the Maputo Reserve

A wave of violence and protests has shaken the town of Salamanga, in the Matutuine district of Mozambique, exposing a latent conflict between local communities and the administration of the Maputo Special Reserve. The incident, which has already caused one death and several injuries, originated in December and escalated this week, resulting in clashes with the UIR (Rapid Intervention Unit) and the paralysis of a crucial road.

The events date back to December 10th, when reserve rangers approached a suspected poacher. The man abandoned his vehicle and fled into the bush. Later, upon returning to his residence in the Xidzukuine community, he was surprised in the early morning of December 23rd by an action of the rangers. According to reports, upon realizing the presence of the agents and not a friend who had contacted him by cell phone, the 34-year-old individual tried to escape through the window. He was then shot in the leg by the rangers.

Although initially not considered to be in life-threatening condition, the man, after losing a significant amount of blood, eventually died at the Matutuine District Hospital in Belavista. The inspectors abandoned the body at the scene, which was later taken to the morgue by hospital authorities.

The news of the death generated profound indignation. On December 24th, the population of Salamanga surrounded the park facilities, demanding explanations from those in charge. Despite the detention of some inspectors by the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), the community doubted the sincerity of the action.

Tensions eased temporarily during Christmas, but they resurfaced during the deceased's wake, when the Park's Head of Inspection was severely beaten by the crowd, escaping lynching only thanks to the intervention of the victim's brother and the PRM (Police of the Republic of Mozambique).

To try and resolve the crisis, a tripartite meeting was scheduled for January 6th, involving the local government, park representatives, and the community. However, the assembly was canceled at the last minute due to the Local Chief's schedule, which further inflamed the residents.

Frustrated by the lack of dialogue, the protesters decided, as a form of pressure, to block traffic on the strategic National Highway linking Maputo to Ponta de Ouro, on the Maputo River Bridge. The blockade paralyzed traffic for several hours.

 The response was swift. The Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) arrived at the scene firing live ammunition and tear gas. At least two people were shot: an adult and a 10-year-old child who was in his parents' workshop, near the protest. Several other people were mistreated and detained.

Some of the fleeing protesters headed towards the town of Salamanga, where they set fire to the town's building and the house of an alleged informant for the park, who has been on the run since December 23.

Salamanga is a vital hub for trade and transport in the region, connecting areas like Machangulo to Maputo and hosting an important weekly market. Currently, the situation is seemingly calm, but the atmosphere remains tense and unpredictable. The conflict, which according to local sources has dragged on for over a decade due to tensions between the community, wildlife, and the reserve's operational methods, resembles a post-election crisis scenario, requiring urgent and decisive government intervention to restore peace and justice.