01/04/2021 Mozambique (International Christian Concern) – The insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado of Mozambique is continuing unabated. This week, the insurgents attacked the village of Quitunda, which falls within the area where Total is building a billion-dollar Natural Gas industry. This is the first time that the insurgency has attacked inside of the concession area, and shows that the insurgency may be growing in strength and influence.
The attack was repelled by local security forces. This area holds the largest gas project in Africa and is seen as essential for the growth of Mozambique. The gas project is worth more than 20 billion dollars, which is nearly twice the entire country’s GDP in 2018. This money would add jobs and bring in much needed money to a very poor area.
The insurgents are angered by the project however. They believe that all of the money and resources will be taken from the Cabo Delgado area and given to those already rich and powerful. Despite the groups link to ISIS, so far all of the attacks and pressure seem to be targeted against the government. However as the group continues to grow and their ties with Islamic State continue to strengthen, attacks against Christians could begin.
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