Situation in Cabo Delgado

Subject: Situation in Cabo Delgado

We are witnessing a new wave of attacks that has brought violence back to Cabo Delgado. According to the IOM, the recent intensification of terrorist attacks has caused more than 800 people to flee armed violence in just five days.

On top of this comes the news that Mozambican marines are being accused of indiscriminately capturing and killing anyone found fishing off the coast of Cabo Delgado province.

These acts, allegedly carried out by marines who may have been trained by the EU military training mission in Mozambique, are said to have been conducted from boats flying the Mozambican flag, bearing the word ‘Mozambique’.

According to reports, this wave of attacks began in December and has already claimed nearly 50 lives.

At a time when the renewal of this mission’s mandate is being discussed, the following questions arise:

1. Is the EU Delegation in Mozambique, as well as the European External Action Service itself, aware of these events, and what follow-up has been given to the matter?

2. How are these developments being assessed together with the Mozambican authorities?

3. What future measures does the VP/HR envisage in view of the worsening situation in the country?

Submitted:21.2.2024

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission (22 March 2024)

The EU is aware of the recent events in the Cabo Delgado province, which has been witnessing a resurgence of violence from insurgents. The EU delegation in Maputo is discussing with partners how to respond to the new needs caused by the last attacks and consequent displacements.

As for the specific events regarding fishermen reported in one specific media, at the present moment there are no clear indications that any of the Quick Reaction Forces (QRFs) trained by the EU Training Mission (EUTM) in Mozambique are involved.

The EU delegation as well as the EUTM are checking the facts with the Mozambican authorities locally, to obtain a full picture of the events.

EUTM Mozambique is currently undergoing a strategic review of its mandate, which expires in September 2024. Its current mandate is to train 11 QRFs to be deployed in Cabo Delgado. At present, the mission is training the 11th QRF, which is one of the various naval units of the Mozambican defence armed forces.

A proposal on the future of the EUTM will be discussed and endorsed by the Member States in the upcoming weeks.