Mozambique: 16,000 take tests for compulsory military service from May 20 to June 15
in file CoM
Islamic State-linked insurgents attacked the town of Macomia in Mozambique’s gas-rich Cabo Delgado province, according to people with knowledge of the matter, in what is their boldest raid in more than three years.
The violence is the latest in a string of attacks since December. It signals an escalation in unrest just as the Mozambican government is pushing for TotalEnergies SE to resume development of a $20 billion liquefied natural gas project that it froze in 2021 after insurgents raided the nearby town of Palma, killing more than 800 people.
The rebels attacked Macomia before dawn on two fronts, two of the people said, asking not to be identified as they’re not authorized to speak to the media. Portuguese news agency Lusa reported that more than 100 fighters were involved in the attack, citing people it didn’t identify. Cabo Delgado Governor Valige Tauabo didn’t immediately respond to calls and a text message seeking comment.
Macomia — about 100 miles south of where TotalEnergies plans to build its gas-export facility — is strategic as it’s situated along the main highway connecting the provincial capital of Pemba with the north. It’s also where hundreds of soldiers from South Africa have been based since they were sent to help Mozambique fight the insurgency in 2021, as the biggest part of a regional deployment.
The South African National Defence Force is set to withdraw its troops from Mozambique by July 15, according to the regional bloc of which it forms part.
Rwanda also sent more than 2,000 soldiers and police to Mozambique as part of a separate bilateral deal, and they will remain to help the government, according to Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi.
The ongoing attack in Macomia is no surprise, with levels of instability that does NOT warrant SAMIM’s withdrawal, which most analysts agree is highly premature.
This is a huge propaganda victory for Islamic State- Mozambique fighters & a major embarrassment for Maputo & SADC https://t.co/4a1k8CB3Nd— Piers Pigou (@PiersPigou) May 10, 2024
🇲🇿🇿🇦 Yesterday @SANDF_ZA left #Macomia sede
On April 15, #SouthAfrica-n PR decided that they will continue with their responsibilities of fighting insurgents in #CaboDelgado, under Operation VIKELA, over the period 16 April 2024 to 31 December 2024 https://t.co/WNDJz5431Q pic.twitter.com/ONEpbduYRG
— Cabo Delgado (@DelgadoCabo) May 10, 2024
#Mozambique
The uncomfortable truths about #SAMIM withdrawal and imminent consequenceshttps://t.co/hUIVXvn2ws— Jasmine Opperman (@Jasminechic00) May 10, 2024
Absolutely. The situation in Macomia underscores the critical need for SAMIM to maintain its mission in Cabo Delgado. It’s imperative for Maputo and SADC to recognize the urgency of the situation and ensure that SAMIM’s mission continues effectively. #HumanRightsMZ#CDDRights https://t.co/ecbI2iBVKD
— Prof. Adriano Nuvunga (@adriano_nuvunga) May 10, 2024
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