Mozambique Troops Accused of Killing Fishermen in Conflict — Hit Cabo Delgado. Maputo, Mozambique — Mozambique’s military is facing allegations of a deadly attack on fishermen off the coast of Cabo Delgado province, where a long-running Islamic State-linked insurgency has been causing widespread violence.
According to local reports, troops reportedly opened fire on fishing boats, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people and leaving several others injured.
The incident occurred over the weekend near Mocímboa da Praia, a region where Mozambican security forces have been battling the insurgents. Witnesses described scenes of panic at sea, with boats struck by gunfire as fishermen attempted to flee.
As of now, there has been no official comment from the government or military regarding the incident.
Cabo Delgado has been the site of violent conflict since 2017, with around 6,500 people killed.
The ongoing conflict has also drawn in Rwandan troops and disrupted major energy projects, including TotalEnergies’massive gas project, which was only recently restarted after being suspended following a deadly attack in 2021. This latest incident is raising serious concerns, particularly given past accusations of abuses by Mozambican forces in the region.
The conflict has continued to destabilize the area, with smaller assaults, killings, and kidnappings occurring despite the presence of security forces meant to protect civilians. Further details regarding the incident and the government’s response are expected to emerge in the coming days. For now, the situation remains under investigation, and the public awaits official statements.
