Two still missing following terrorist attack in Niassa reserve – AIM report

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Two still missing following terrorist attack in Niassa reserve – AIM report

7:00 CAT | 29 May 2025

File photo: AIM

The Niassa Lion Project, one of the organizations carrying out environmental projects in the Niassa Special Reserve, on the border between the northern Mozambican provinces of Niassa and Cabo Delgado, has announced that two of its employees are still missing following the terrorist attack that took place a month ago.

The attack, which destroyed the facilities of the Kambako hunting ground, is believed to be the work of the same Islamist terrorists who have been operating in several of the districts of Cabo Delgado.

Kambako is one of the hunting areas in the Niassa Special Reserve, but territorially it is located in Cabo Delgado, not far from the districts of Meluco, Montepuez and Mueda. During the invasion, the terrorists also took an unspecified number of people hostage.

According to the Niassa Lion Project, in a message published on its Facebook Account, “two of our employees are still missing, after the first terrorist attack.” However, the organization claims that there is ongoing work aimed at locating them, while another employee is receiving medical assistance in hospital.

READ: Mozambique: Niassa Lion Project says two scouts are still missing

The organization also guarantees that the families of those who are missing and those who lost their lives are receiving support.

“Our two scouts, Pires and Carlitos, are still missing. They are always in our thoughts, as are the families who have lost a father, brother, son or husband”, reads the message.

According to the organization, it is still too early to return to the Mariri Environmental Centre, as there are signs that the insurgents are still active in the forests surrounding the region.

“Many people are asking when we will be able to return to the Mariri Environmental Centre and our homes. The buildings are still standing, but unfortunately the situation is still dangerous. The insurgents remain active in the eastern part of the Niassa Special Reserve and the military forces maintain a constant presence, with a record of new clashes and loss of life”, reads the note.

However, the organization has announced the creation of a temporary office in the Mecula district capital aimed at organizing the resumption of activities “and ensuring that the 57 students will continue to take advantage of their scholarships and complete their technical training.”

The Niassa Special Reserve contains six hunting blocks managed by private companies. Kambako is one of the largest hunting operators in Mozambique.

Source: AIM