- ACLED reports cases of civilians deliberately killed by Mozambique Navy soldiers in Macomia
- Defence Forces spokesperson denies any order for population removal from coastal villages where counter-insurgency operations are underway
By MOZTIMES
Pemba (MOZTIMES) – Bodies of fishermen allegedly killed by Mozambican soldiers have washed ashore in villages across Mocímboa da Praia, in what is described as the latest wave of deliberate violence against civilians carried out by members of the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM).
According to the latest Cabo Ligado, published by Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), on 5 July units of the Mozambique Navy opened fire on three fishing boats, killing three civilians and injuring four others. Between 8 and 9 July, further actions by Navy units allegedly led to the deaths of three more civilians. Some of the bodies were found on the beaches of Nabaje, Calugo, and Ulo, all in Mocímboa da Praia district, the report states.
ACLED notes that since 2020, at least 110 fishermen have reportedly been killed by Mozambican military forces in similar incidents.
Fishermen are frequently accused of collaborating with insurgents or facilitating the movements of the Islamic State Mozambique (ISM), which is known to use fishing boats to transport fighters and weapons.
Local sources told MOZTIMES that on 7 July, Navy soldiers stationed at the administrative post of Quiterajo, in Macomia district, verbally ordered fishermen from the villages of Milamba and Pequeué to leave the coast, alleging that they were interfering with military operations against insurgents.
Videos circulating on social media show fishermen denouncing attacks by Mozambican soldiers on their colleagues, who were allegedly shot while fishing. In one video, a survivor claims: “They fired without warning. We were just casting our nets.”
The incidents occurred in areas where insurgents remain actively present and where clashes with FADM have intensified in recent weeks. In May this year, armed insurgents attacked a Russian oceanographic research vessel off the coast of Tambuzi Island using boats typically used in artisanal fishing.
A spokesperson for the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces denied any military action against fishermen or that soldiers had instructed coastal villagers in Macomia district to abandon their homes due to ongoing military operations.
In a phone interview with MOZTIMES, the Head of Public Relations for the FADM General Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Pedro António, said the institution learned of the reports via social media and is currently investigating the facts.
“We became aware of it through social media and we are looking into it. We still do not know exactly what happened. In the operational theatre, there is a lot of confusion. For the population, everyone is a ‘soldier’, whether from the Armed Forces or the Police,” said Pedro António. (MT)
