Africa-Press – Mozambique. A vessel carrying more than 30 passengers has been missing for nearly a month in northern Cabo Delgado province. According to ‘Carta’ sources, the vessel left the island of Matemo on the 27th of September heading for the main town of Palma, but has not so far docked there.
Sources say the vessel was transporting displaced people who had taken refuge on Matemo island between the months of March and June this year in the wake of terrorist attacks in the district. These people were unable to reach the city of Pemba at a time when thousands of citizens left Palma district because of violence.
The Carta sources say that the vessel’s owners did not notify the authorities of their departure, raising the possibility of their having been detained by the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) for navigating in a prohibited zone.
Just a few days ago, the FDS detained 150 people travelling in three vessels on suspicion of belonging to the terrorist group, as they were transporting foodstuffs.
Since the arrival of foreign troops, the FDS has prohibited navigation north of the island of Matemo, which is located in Macomia district. Boats are allowed to sail between Matemo and Pemba, but anyone who strays from this route risks being mistaken for terrorist.
The decision aims to limit the logistical supply of the terrorist group by sea, and extends to fishermen.
By
Omardine Omar
