Africa-Press – Rwanda. The Governor of Cabo Delgado Province has asked the population to stay on the lookout to prevent rebels, who are fleeing the offensive by the joint Mozambican and Rwandan forces, “mixing” with the displaced population.
“These (terrorists) when they feel the power of our Defense and Security Forces, run away. When escaping, they will also want to pretend to be displaced people from our villages. This is where we are called to be vigilant, as this is where (terrorists) will want to mingle,” said Valige Tauabo (pictured above) on Friday.
The governor made these remarks while addressing the population as part of a visit to the administrative post of Nairoto, Montepuez district, in Cabo Delgado province.
The fight against the insurgents gained new impetus on August 8th when joint forces from Mozambique and Rwanda reconquered the strategic port town of Mocímboa da Praia, which had been in rebel hands for over a year.
Governor Valige Tauabo also called for the population to be more careful in housing allegedly displaced persons from districts affected by the insurgency in the north of the province.
“Nobody can accommodate a displaced person anyway. It is different now, if we are going to welcome those who have come from these districts, it is the responsibility of the welcoming party to share information with the local structures”, stressed Tauabo.
In addition to Rwanda, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed to Mozambique the Standby Force on August 9th, to combat armed groups, but the mission’s combat actions have not yet been reported.
