The Islamist insurgency in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado is said to be moving southbound, according to local media.
Groups of insurgents heading south have been seen passing through coastal villages where they bring messages of peace and reconciliation mixed with veiled threats. The insurgents tell the population they have no intention of harming them, and they should continue to tend to their crops and go on with their lives.
Meanwhile, they have repeatedly warned the villagers against collaborating with the Defence and Security Forces (FDS).
In one village, the insurgents bought foodstuff from the villagers and forced local fishermen to ferry the supplies to an undisclosed offloading area.
Comment
History repeats itself. The sample size is small, but it seems as of the insurgency brought its murderous activities to a halt during the municipal elections process, enabling political parties to campaign and voters to cast their ballots on election day. However, as soon as voting ended and results started being announced, the insurgents restarted their activities.
Curiously, the military actions were also put on standby. It looks strange. What is happening in Cabo Delgado?
Among the various curious aspects to the conflict, President Filipe Nyusi’s government is managing the conflict in a rather peculiar manner even with various lines of support (Wagner Group, Dyk Advisory Group, SAMIM and Rwanda Defence Force).
However, it must be borne in mind that attacks stopped during the 2018 municipal elections and 2019 general elections.
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