Mozambique: US Embassy issues security alert after violence

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Mozambique: US Embassy issues security alert after violence

5:41 CAT | 11 Oct 2019

Maputo. [File photo: Lusa]

The US Embassy in Maputo today issued a security warning concerning travel to parts of Mozambique after cases of electoral violence in several parts of the country and to armed attacks in Cabo Delgado, Lusa reports.

“Due to ongoing extremist violence in districts north of Pemba, Cabo Delgado Province, recent violence against civil society groups in Xai Xai, Gaza Province, and credible threats in Nampula City, Nampula Province, the embassy encourages U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to these areas,” the embassy website reads.

Mozambique’s general elections are scheduled for Tuesday.

The election campaign, which ends on Saturday, “has been marked by a recent increase in tensions, including some political violence,” the embassy says.

“While the U.S. Embassy expects the elections to be relatively calm throughout most of the country and recognises the Government of the Republic of Mozambique is working diligently to ensure elections are safe and orderly, we remind U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings,” the alert adds.

The document recommends avoiding polling stations and government buildings on election day as well as avoiding demonstrations and unexpected crowds.

An election observer and leader of local organisations was shot dead on Monday in Xai-Xai, a crime that police said was carried out by some of their officers.

The murder was generally repudiated and followed other violent incidents involving party members or people involved in the electoral process.

In Cabo Delgado province, attacks by armed groups with apparent Islamic extremist inspiration, but unknown mentors, have lasted for two years and have already killed at least 250 people.

These attacks have raised doubts about the security of the population for voting on Tuesday.

A total of 12.9 million Mozambican voters will choose the president, ten provincial assemblies and their governors, as well as 250 deputies of the parliament.

ALSO READ: Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Maputo, Mozambique (October 11, 2019) – Unabridged

Source: Lusa