Fishermen accuse the FADM of halting fishing activities in Mocímboa da Praia

Mocímboa da Praia is a district in Cabo Delgado Province that has frequently been targeted by armed insurgents carrying out violent attacks since 2017. The population in that area lives in constant insecurity, not only because of the movements of these armed men, but also due to the actions of Mozambique’s own defence forces.

Since then, fishing activities have become increasingly difficult because of the security situation. However, as the local population largely depends on fishing for survival, it has become very difficult for them to abandon this activity, which remains their main source of income.

According to our sources, the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces (FADM) in that part of the province are allegedly demanding money from fishermen to hand over to the official responsible for the area. Reports indicate that the entire situation is allegedly being directed by General Mussa Simba.

The general is accused of ordering the suspension of fishing activities for seven to eight days after fishermen were reportedly attacked by insurgents and forced to pay ransom money in exchange for their release from the hands of the armed men.

The fishermen say they are deeply outraged by the behaviour of this official, who allegedly came to Mocímboa da Praia to fight terrorism and protect the population, but who, according to them, has instead neglected his responsibilities and threatened vulnerable and insecure people who need his protection and support.

The fishermen are calling on the competent authorities to urgently intervene in the matter. They also state that many serious incidents have been occurring in the area, but few complaints are reported and, even when they are, there are no immediate interventions.

According to the reports, the official first asked the fishermen how much money they had spent to secure the release of the kidnapped fishermen. They explained that the amount exceeded 150,000 meticais. The fishermen say they feel deeply hurt by the way they are being treated by the commander himself. (BP)