Mozambican commander denies insurgents control north of country

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi Picture: AP

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi Picture: AP

Published Apr 15, 2020

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Maputo – No parts of Mozambique's

troubled northernmost province are under the control of

insurgents, national police commander Bernardino Rafael said on

Wednesday.

Rafael's comments come after an increase in the frequency of

attacks in the province of Cabo Delgado, home to multibillion-dollar gas projects led by oil majors such as Total.

Security analysts say in some cases insurgents have occupied

parts of towns, villages or government buildings and hoisted a

black and white flag.

"There are no areas that can be said to be in the hands of

insurgents, what exist are areas prone to the incursions of

criminals," Rafael told reporters in the northern province of

Nampula.

He said the situation in a number of areas, including

Mocimboa da Praia – some 350km from the gas

projects – was tense.

Initially, the attacks were claimed by a group by the name

of Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama. More recently, however, Islamic State

has claimed attacks via its news agencies.

Reuters

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