President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique addressed the nation on Friday, announcing a major attack by Islamist insurgents on the town of Macomia in Cabo Delgado province. The oil-rich province in northern Mozambique has been battling an insurgency since 2017, and this recent attack highlights ongoing security concerns.
Renewed Violence in Cabo Delgado
Macomia, the district headquarters, came under assault by Islamist militants on Friday morning. The ensuing firefight continued for several hours, with the militants initially retreating but later regrouping for a renewed attack. This incident marks a significant escalation in violence, with security experts expressing concern.
“The attack on Macomia underscores the vulnerability created by the withdrawal of regional forces,” said Piers Pigou, a security analyst. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed troops in 2021 to combat the insurgency, but their mandate is ending in July, leading to a drawdown of forces.
President Nyusi acknowledged the challenges of a transitional period and urged continued support from SADC. Rwanda has also contributed troops to the fight against the insurgency. The ongoing violence has displaced over 110,000 people since late 2023, according to the International Organization for Migration.
Economic Projects Impacted by Instability
The insurgency in Cabo Delgado casts a shadow over multi-billion dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects planned for the region. French energy giant TotalEnergies is seeking to restart a stalled LNG project north of Macomia, while ExxonMobil is also developing a similar project nearby. The security situation remains a critical factor for the viability of these economic endeavors.
Despite the recent attack, ExxonMobil expressed optimism about progress, citing an improved security situation. However, the attack in Macomia serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in Cabo Delgado. The coming months will be crucial as Mozambique negotiates a potential extension of SADC’s mission and grapples with the persistent threat of Islamist extremism.
Source: Reuters
