What You Need to Know
Mozambique’s military is facing serious allegations after troops reportedly opened fire on fishermen in Cabo Delgado, resulting in at least 13 deaths. The incident, which occurred off the coast of Mocímboa da Praia, has raised concerns about the military’s conduct amid ongoing conflict in the region. Witnesses reported chaos as fishermen attempted to escape gunfire, highlighting the escalating fr
Africa-Press – Mozambique. Mozambique’s military is under scrutiny after troops reportedly opened fire on fishermen in the country’s conflict-hit north, killing at least 13 people. The incident happened over the weekend off the coast of Mocímboa da Praia in Cabo Delgado province, an area where security forces are battling an Islamic State-linked insurgency.
Local sources say navy forces targeted fishing boats early Sunday, leaving more than a dozen dead and several others injured. Witnesses describe panic at sea, with boats hit by gunfire as fishermen tried to flee.
So far, there’s been no official comment from the government or military. But the attack is already raising serious concerns, especially given past accusations of abuses by Mozambican forces in the region.
Cabo Delgado has been gripped by violence since 2017, with around 6,500 people killed. The conflict has also drawn in Rwandan troops and forced major energy projects to halt.
In fact, TotalEnergies only recently restarted its massive gas project there after it was suspended following a deadly attack in 2021.
While large-scale attacks like that haven’t returned, smaller assaults, along with killings and kidnappings, continue to destabilize the region.
Now, this latest incident risks deepening tensions between civilians and the forces meant to protect them.
Cabo Delgado province has been embroiled in conflict since 2017, primarily due to an insurgency linked to the Islamic State. This violence has led to significant loss of life, with approximately 6,500 fatalities reported. The situation has drawn in foreign military assistance, including Rwandan troops, and has severely impacted local communities and economic activities, particularly fishing and energy projects. The region’s instability has prompted international scrutiny and raised questions about the effectiveness and accountability of Mozambican security forces.
