Mozambique's Army Battles Major Attack in Macomia by Armed Groups

Macomia, Mozambique - Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi announced in a televised address that the town of Macomia in Cabo Delgado province is currently under attack by armed groups linked to the ISIL (ISIS) organization.

The attack began early Friday morning and has been described as the most significant in recent times.

The northern region of Cabo Delgado, known for its rich gas reserves, has experienced an increase in violent incidents since an armed uprising began in 2017.

Despite a substantial security response, attacks have intensified since January of this year.

According to two security sources, hundreds of fighters are believed to be involved in the latest assault on Macomia.

President Nyusi reported that the attackers initially retreated after about 45 minutes of combat but later regrouped and resumed their offensive.

The ongoing conflict underscores the challenges faced by the Mozambican government in controlling the violence in Cabo Delgado.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed a regional force in 2021 to assist Mozambique, but this force began withdrawing last month as its mandate is set to expire in July.

This drawdown has raised concerns about a potential security vacuum in the region. Piers Pigou, from the Institute for Security Studies, emphasized that the recent attacks challenge assertions that the province has been mostly stabilized.

The violence has had significant humanitarian impacts, displacing over 110,000 people since the end of last year, according to figures from the International Organisation for Migration.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, international energy companies like French TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil, in partnership with Eni, are looking to restart and push forward with major liquefied natural gas projects in northern Mozambique. These developments are located approximately 200 kilometers north of Macomia.

President Nyusi expressed hope that the SADC forces could still assist during this transitional period, though it remains unclear if they are currently engaged in the conflict.

The situation in Macomia remains fluid, with Mozambique's armed forces continuing to confront the severe threat posed by the armed groups.