Written by: INcontext
Article source: www.incontextinternational.org

On Monday 17 August, Southern African leaders pledged their commitment to supporting Mozambique’s government in its fight against the insurgency in Cabo Delgado province, however, they did not specify any details of what practical or military support they would give.

The Islamist group Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama or Ansar al-Sunna (meaning ‘supporters of tradition’), which has sworn its allegiance to the Islamic State (IS), captured the strategic port of Mocimboa da Praia in the North of Mozambique.

The port was captured and held briefly in March but liberated by government forces. However, in this latest assault, the Islamic terrorist group seems to be better organised and able to withstand repeated attempts by government forces to retake the port.

The recent fighting – more organised and sustained – suggests that the group might be backed by foreign elements that provide better training and financial resources. The Islamic insurgency that started in 2017 has so far displaced an estimated 250,000 people, with an estimated loss of 1,500 lives.

The motivation for the insurgency is disputed, but it has been argued that the capture of vast natural resources (gas and oil reserves) is a key driver, while the spread of militant Islam under the banner of the Islamic State could be a secondary factor (though they often go hand-in-hand).

The Islamic State is known to bolster its forces through forced recruitment and dealing harshly with those who refuse. In April, 52 young men were killed after refusing to join the Islamic State ranks as soldiers.

Reports from the area suggest that both Muslims and Christians are being attacked indiscriminately. Neighbouring South Africa has been warned by the Islamic State not to intervene, but intervention might be inevitable.

South Africa would be seriously affected by the ongoing conflict in Mozambique because the two countries share a strategic economic corridor.

From a Christian perspective, the ongoing Islamic insurgency is a setback for Christian activities in the majority Muslim North. Mozambique, currently ranked 180 out of 189 countries on the Human Development Index, suffers from extreme poverty, and the inability of the government to overcome continual setbacks – like cyclone Idai that hit the city of Beira in 2019, causing over $2 billion in damages.

Christian organisations, both local and foreign, have over the years been able to help the government overcome some of its shortfalls by feeding, clothing, and housing hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people throughout the country.

Humanitarian operations by church groups might, however, find it increasingly difficult to operate in Mozambique after President Filipe Nyusi said: (in a speech in Pemba on 14 August) “Those Mozambicans who, well-protected, take the suffering of those who protect them lightly – including certain foreigners who freely choose to live in Mozambique but who, in the camouflaged name of human rights, don’t respect the sacrifice of those who keep this young homeland standing, and guarantee their stay in Cabo Delgado and Mozambique in general.”

His comments come after continued criticism from the Catholic Bishop of Pemba, Luíz Fernando Lisboa, claiming the government is not doing enough to counter the insurgency. “The world still has no idea what is happening, because of indifference, and because it seems that we have already become accustomed to wars. There is war in Iraq, there is war in Syria and there is also now a war in Mozambique,” said Luíz Fernando Lisboa.

Pray with us for the following:

  • For much wisdom in addressing the insurgency, both by the Mozambiquan government, and other regional leaders
  • For there to be trust between the government and Christian organisations, to work together in serving the people of Mozambique
  • For missionaries and churches to follow the leading of the Spirit, and for boldness to live out the mandate they have been given

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Date published: 23/08/2020

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