Following the attack by the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) Mozambique in late March, preliminary intelligence indicates that at least $1 million was looted by the militants from banks and other facilities in Palma. While that is just a preliminary figure, it is feared that the militants were able to steal a huge sum of money as well as over 6 tonnes of food and other supplies.
The loot will without a doubt be expected to give the group an upper hand in expanding its territories, buying weapons, paying the fighters as well give them buying power to recruit ad even bring in new fighters from across the region. While looting is not the only source of income for the group, it boosts the group’s operation capability and only comes at a time when the Mozambican military is not adequately motivated or compensated.
News of the new war spoils comes as intelligence indicates that the various terror organizations in Africa are preparing for a ‘bloody’ Ramadhan among them ISCAP, al Shabaab, and other affiliates of al Qaeda and ISIS. Therefore, it is paramount that Nyusi’s government erect strategies that reduce the bloodshed during the holy month and coming months seeing as ISCAP has shown its capabilities and sophistication in conducting attacks. Strategies should be holistic to avoid being redundant and attack the group in the most strategic way to cut off their resources; human and financial to prevent expansion and further suffering of the Cabo Delgado residents who continue to experience loss and strife.
