Maputo, 12 Apr (AIM) – The Mozambican defence and security forces have launched an offensive against foci of terrorist activity in the Mucojo and Quiterajo administrative posts, in Macomia district, in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.
According to a report in Friday’s issue of the independent newssheet “Carta de Mocambique”, the offensive involves land, sea and air operations.
The jihadists occupied Mucojo in February. According to local sources cited by the paper, they abandoned Mucojo three days ago and have moved into Quissanga district.
The Macomia district administrator, Tomas Badae, confirmed on Wednesday that operations are under way. The population of Mucojo were advised last month to abandon the area, and anyone who stays behind may be considered a collaborator with the terrorists.
Despite this warning, civilians have not entirely abandoned Mucojo. Some have stayed for lack of transport to safer areas, and others because they fear there will not be enough food in the accommodation centres.
Badae thought the warning had served its purpose since no reports have reached Macomia town of civilians dying because of the Moambican offensive.
Meanwhile, the Rwandan troops, who have been assisting the Mozambican forces, are reported to have adopted “philanthropic actions”, especially in the sectors of health, education and agriculture.
According to Mozambique’s public television station (TVM), the broadening of scope is visible since a group of senior officers from the Rwandan Armed Forces has been distributing school materials and seeds for some crops, especially rice, beans, maize and peanuts, in the villages of Natandolas, Chinde and Mbau, in Mocímboa da Praia, as well as in the Pundanhar administrative post, in Palma district.
They are also providing health care to communities in the two districts.
“The senior officers of the Rwandan Armed Forces have been urging the population to invest in agriculture after the floods, caused by the heavy rains that have fallen”, TVM reported.
These actions take place at a moment when Rwanda plans to send more troops to Mozambique, since the forces of the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIM) have started to withdraw ahead of mission closure in July as a result of lack of funds.
Rwandan troops were responsible for recovering the town of Mocímboa da Praia from the jihadists in August 2021, as well as the Mbau Administrative Post, then considered a stronghold of the terrorist group that has been attacking Cabo Delgado since October 2017.
(AIM)
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