23rd March 2016 - Mozambique: Central provinces

Mozambique: Central provinces: Fresh gun attacks along highways highlight insurgency-related travel risks, need for precautions

Suspected members of the Renamo armed opposition movement at around 08.00 (local time) on 23 March reportedly opened fire on a passenger bus in the Honde area (Barue district), injuring at least three people. According to initial reports, the Renamo gunmen attacked the bus en-route from Chimoio, the capital of Manica province, and Tete, the capital of Tete province, after the driver refused to obey a warning to stop.

Local sources reported that the latest incident was the fourth ambush in the Honde area within a month. Similar bus shootings occurred along the EN7 road near Honde on 5 March, killing two people and injuring eight other, and along the EN1 road between Nicoadala and Zero (both Zambezia province) on 7 March. The incidents highlight the heightened direct and indirect risks associated with insurgent activity in central provinces (Manica, Nampula, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia). Members should reconsider all non-essential overland movement along remote roads both outside and currently under the security force escort regime.

Travel Briefing

The attacks are the latest in a recent spate of security incidents involving suspected members of Renamo in various parts of the central provinces. The notable increase in insurgent activity, which has consisted of clashes between armed elements and the security forces, as well as attacks on transport along roads, prompted the authorities to introduce mandatory escorts along the Save river crossing-Muxungue and Nhamapadza-Caia (all Sofala province) sections of the EN1 road; these areas have been the most acutely affected by indiscriminate attacks on vehicles. The authorities have also reportedly mobilised a large number of security force personnel to Gorongosa district (Sofala province), a known Renamo stronghold, and increased security around government buildings in the central provinces of Manica, Tete and Zambezia.

Despite such measures, attacks have continued, both along roads under the security force escort regime and those that do not yet have such requirements, including EN6 and EN7. However, urban centres in central provinces have remained largely insulated from the increasing insecurity in rural areas despite Renamo's stated intention to organise marches to district and provincial government offices as part of its stated initiative to ‘rule the central provinces by March'. While travel to the region can continue, members should reconsider non-essential road movement on EN1, EN6 and EN7 and travel by air, where possible.

A return to full-scale conflict remains unlikely, particularly in light of Renamo's recent acceptance of a government invitation to resume negotiations. However, the opposition group's commitment to dialogue relies on certain conditions relating to proposed mediators that are unlikely to be met in the near term. As such, the risk of further insurgent activity will remain high and members in central provinces should monitor developments closely and exercise heightened vigilance, especially if undertaking essential overland travel. Travellers in the region should employ thorough journey management plans, account for delays due to heightened security and carry relevant identification documents to ease passage through checkpoints.

Travel Advice Summary

Travel to Manica, Nampula, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia provinces can continue with standard security precautions. Reconsider non-essential road movement on EN1, EN6 and EN7; use air travel, where possible. Travel to rural areas requires a pre-travel, itinerary-specific briefing on prevailing security conditions and appropriate mitigation measures.
Reconfirm the status of routes prior to departure. If undertaking essential travel on EN1, EN6 and EN7, expect delays due to the implementation of convoy requirements and consider the timing of movement.
Journey-management plans are essential. Travel in daylight hours only and in a convoy of at least two vehicles with an experienced local driver and reliable communications. Exercise high levels of vigilance and be alert to any obstacles on the road or suspicious activity. If you see anything suspicious, turn around and return to a known secure area.
Anticipate heightened security along major roads and in urban centres. Carry identification to ease passage through potential checkpoints and follow all directions by those manning them.
Visit our Mozambique pages for further advice and information regarding travel to the country, and contact your nearest Assistance Centre for itinerary- and profile-specific queries.