The government of PR FILIPE NYUSI (FN) is pursuing a strategy of “damage containment” of the conflict in Cabo Delgado, seeking to gain time at the internal and external level and not undermine the promises of lifting the suspension of the main natural gas project under Total Energies (Area 1). The government's bet is that the army will use effectively the new military reinforcements from compulsory recruitment and equipment that has been ordered in the meantime, such as drones.
The increase in jihadist presence to the south, where several groups moved in JAN, compromises the movement to Pemba and again puts pressure on the extractive industry and on the northern zone of the province of Nampula. According to local sources, in addition to the entry of foreigners recruited to fight alongside the insurgents in Cabo Delgado, the armed cells continue to recruit dozens of Nampula natives, mainly from the districts of Memba and Erati, who were under attack in SEP.2022 (AM 1441).
The last 75 days have been characterised by the significant aggravation of insecurity in Cabo Delgado, with three different moments. READ MORE