Mozambique may look to partners to bolster security

Subject

Mozambique's northern insurgency.

Significance

President Filipe Nyusi on February 14 called on Mozambique’s international partners to provide "concrete" support to his government’s efforts to combat an apparent Islamist-inspired insurgency in northern Cabo Delgado Province. As thousands of workers get ready to begin the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) site in Palma district, insurgents' attacks have worsened, and the government appears more open to foreign assistance to help end the conflict.

Impacts

• The government will struggle to get a handle on both northern violence and worsening RENAMO-related insecurity in central provinces.
• Increased stifling of dissent and threats to journalists will raise fears of worsening authoritarianism.
• The spread of the insurgency and climatic emergencies will exacerbate worsening provincial food insecurity.