Community leaders confirm Memba as a recruitment center for young people in terrorist activities

 

The district of Memba, located on the coast of Nampula Province, borders the neighboring province of Cabo Delgado, particularly the district of Mecúfi. Memba is one of the districts in Nampula that has been affected by terrorist activities in northern Mozambique.

During a recent interview with the press, community leaders from Memba confirmed that the district is considered one of the most vulnerable areas for the recruitment of young people into terrorist activities in Cabo Delgado Province.

One of the local chiefs explained that, in 2018, there was a mosque in the district associated with insurgents. According to him, those who prayed there belonged to the group, but the community soon rejected them and handed them over to the police authorities.

Some members of this group later moved to Mocímboa da Praia, in Cabo Delgado. A number of them surrendered to the authorities and were publicly presented by the then President of Mozambique, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi. However, some time later, they returned to the bush to resume their terrorist activities. Many have not returned since, and some are reported to have been killed.

Before they were handed over to the authorities, members of the group forbade children from attending school, allowing them only to go to the mosque for prayers. They also imposed strict dress codes, prohibiting the wearing of shorts or shoes during prayer. Because of such practices, Memba became known as one of the main recruitment centers for terrorists.

During the recruitment process, some individuals claimed they were going to Cabo Delgado for fishing, particularly in Mocímboa da Praia, but never came back. Despite these incidents, terrorists never reached the district’s main town, operating only in the administrative post of Chipene.

Reports also suggest that Memba is not the only district involved in recruitment, with similar cases occurring in Nacala-a-Velha, Mogincual, and other districts in Nampula Province. The provincial governor stated that the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) are investigating the situation to verify these claims.

After the attack on the Chipene administrative post, the situation has gradually returned to normal. Residents have returned to their homes, and the defense and security forces remain on the ground, maintaining safety and security day and night. (BP)