US coordinator for counterterrorism travels to Mozambique to discuss new threats

    By Jorge Joaquim  

US coordinator for counterterrorism Nathan Sales is in Maputo to discuss terrorist threats, as the country faces an insurgency since 2017 by Islamist jihadists tgat have killed more than 2,500 people and displaced over 500,000 in north Mozambique’s mineral gas-rich Cabo Delgado province.

Acconrdig to a note from US Department os Stat, on December 2 and 3 during meetings with senior Mozambican government officials, Ambassador Sales will discuss ongoing efforts to counter ISIS-linked terrorism in the country and the region.

Sales also will explore ways the United States can help Mozambique enhance its civilian law enforcement capabilities and border security.

He will also go to Pretoria, South Africa on December 4, where will meet with South African officials to discuss the important role South Africa plays in regional security in Africa and ways to strengthen bilateral security cooperation.

The violence in Mozambique has spiked this year in this aid-dependent country. The insurgents have occupied a strategic port in the town of Mocimboa da Praia since August 12.

Mozambican troops who have been deployed in the region have been overwhelmed by shortage of weapons and equipment. More importantly, they lack military training and familiarization with the northern region.