I. Executive Summary

Mozambique’s northern provinces, particularly Cabo Delgado, continue to experience disruptions from an Islamist insurgency led by Ansar al-Sunna wa Jama’a (ASWJ), which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS). Since its inception in October 2017, the insurgency has claimed approximately 6,800 lives and displaced around one million individuals. Despite a decrease in attacks following natural disasters and increased military intervention, ASWJ has adapted by employing guerrilla tactics, including the use of remote-controlled improvised explosive devices (IEDs), posing ongoing risks to overland travel and local security.

II. Security Landscape

  • Provincial Impact: Cabo Delgado remains the epicenter of insurgency activities, with sporadic violence spreading to Nampula and Niassa provinces.
  • Military Interventions: Approximately 7,000 soldiers from the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), and Mozambique Armed Defense Forces (FADM) have collaborated to regain control of major transportation routes and economic centers, driving militants into remote areas.
  • Current Threats: The use of IEDs and ambush tactics has maintained a permanent threat level, especially around strategic towns such as Mocimboa da Praia and Macomia. Foreign nationals, though not primary targets, have been impacted during attacks on industrial sites.

III. Risk Mitigation Strategies

  1. Security Protocols for Travel:
  • Avoid road travel in high-risk areas, particularly near Mocimboa da Praia and Macomia.
  • Use convoy protection with armed escorts for necessary overland travel.
  • Employ remote surveillance and route planning tools to navigate safely.
  1. Community Engagement:
  • Invest in “hearts and minds” initiatives to counteract ASWJ’s influence among local populations.
  • Support local community programs to bolster resistance to insurgent recruitment.
  1. Operational Continuity Planning:
  • Develop evacuation and crisis management plans tailored to sudden insurgent attacks.
  • Establish secure communication channels for expats to receive real-time updates on security situations.
  1. Collaboration with Local and International Forces:
  • Maintain close coordination with SAMIM, RDF, and FADM for updates on security operations.
  • Participate in security briefings with local authorities and other foreign entities to share intelligence and response strategies.
  1. Investment in Security Infrastructure:
  • Enhance physical security measures at expatriate compounds and business facilities.
  • Implement advanced surveillance and alarm systems to detect and respond to breaches promptly.

IV. Conclusion

The fluid and evolving security situation in Mozambique’s northern provinces necessitates a robust and dynamic approach to risk mitigation for expatriates living and working in the region. By implementing the aforementioned strategies, SafeExpat.com subscribers can significantly reduce their vulnerability to the threats posed by the ongoing insurgency.