Zitamar News

Insurgents killed two young men and abducted two women in Muidumbe district on 21 October, as reports emerged of armed-group activity elsewhere in Cabo Delgado. On the same day, insurgents reportedly blocked the N380 in Macomia district, while communities also reported armed movements in Meluco and Quissanga. Separately, nine unidentified bodies were found at sea off Mocímboa...

Good afternoon. The European Union has helped Mozambique create 11 rapid-reaction units for the war in Cabo Delgado. It has trained soldiers, supplied equipment and is now helping regenerate those units between deployments. Yet the insurgents remain able to operate across an expanding area while supposedly specialised forces are frequently used in ways that defeat the purpose...

Good afternoon. President Daniel Chapo’s engagement with Russia confirms that Mozambique intends to keep an old ally close while pursuing support from Western partners. His presence in Moscow has immediate diplomatic value for Russia. The economic and military benefits Mozambique hopes to obtain remain less certain.

Mozambique and Russia are preparing strategic agreemen...

Good afternoon and welcome to yesterday's newsletter. Mozambique’s first domestic ruby auction raised just over $214,000, a fraction of the tens of millions that Montepuez rubies fetch at major international sales. Held in a private room at Nacala International Airport under heavy police guard, the event attracted twelve companies to inspect the lots, of which four submitted ...

Good afternoon. Renamo has answered demands for renewal by expelling one of its most recognisable critics. On Thursday, its National Council, meeting in Maputo, voted to expel António Muchanga, the former MP who has spent the past year calling for leader Ossufo Momade’s resignation. His removal may make meetings easier for Momade, but it weakens the party’s ability to hold it...