The last attack against Nampula province was carried out on the weekend of 15-16 November when the terrorists raided Mazua administrative post, in Memba, where they murdered four people.
Previously, the jihadists had launched attacks on 30 September and 3 October, when they raided the Lúrio and Chipene administrative posts.
Since 2017, violent extremist attacks have been taking place in the neighboring province of Cabo Delgado, where at least 4,500 people have been killed and over one million displaced. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been warning that the violence is tending to spread to other regions, especially in Nampula. These attacks give a clear indication that the jihadists are moving southwards, into the coastal districts of Nampula.
According to the governor, those who have abandoned their houses in search of safer places are now sheltered in Eráti district, and the government has been making an effort to provide then with food and hygiene items.
“On Sunday, as part of the solidarity campaign for families displaced from Memba, the company Nacala Logistics contributed an additional 25 tonnes of products which, will support over seven hundred families”, he said.
He explained that the products after being packaged onto trucks will immediately be sent to the accommodation locations for the displaced families.
Meanwhile, public transport drivers have accused the riot police (UIR) of extorting money from them when they enter Memba to remove people from high-risk areas. These illegal charges range from 1,000 to 1,500 Meticais (from 15 to 23 dollars at the current exchange rate).
“The situation in Memba is getting worse. The forces that should be protecting the population are now extorting money”, one source said. “If the drivers don’t have this amount, they are prevented from continuing the journey, consequently leaving people behind”.
(AIM)
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