Monthly Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Brief for East and Central Africa (Somalia, Mozambique, and DR-Congo): Tracking Islamic State Terrorists For December 2023

INSIDE:

In December 2023, East and Central Africa experienced a surge in terrorist activities orchestrated by Islamic State affiliates in Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Somalia. The resumption of ISM attacks in Mozambique underscores persistent threats, necessitating heightened vigilance and improved counter-terrorism strategies. Uganda faced imminent threats revealed by the arrest of Lavara Nyanza, an ISCAP operative, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation and intelligence sharing. In the DRC, clashes between FARDC and ISCAP, coupled with targeted attacks, highlight complex security challenges, urging a comprehensive strategy for peacebuilding. Somalia witnessed a decrease in IS-Somalia attacks, but its financial resilience poses a continued security threat, necessitating concerted efforts to address root causes. A coordinated regional approach is crucial for effectively countering evolving terrorist threats and fostering lasting stability.

MOZAMBIQUE

• 07^th Dec- ISM launched an assault on a Mozambican Defense and Security Forces (FDS) camp outside Lake Nguri in Muidumbe district, killing at least five soldiers.
• 19^th Dec- Two fishermen were killed near Lake Nguri in Muidumbe district by insurgents in military uniforms.
• 21^st Dec- About 11 Insurgents were sighted dressed in the uniform of the European Union (EU)-trained Quick Reaction Force. They are said to have stopped before released unharmed a minibus carrying a group of school athletes on the road between the villages of Chitunda and Chinda.
• 26^th Dec- ISM conducted an armed assault ambush in a joint Mozambican and SAMIM troops in Pangane in Macomia district. At least 4 soldiers were killed in the attack.
• 27^th Dec- ISM killed at least 9 Mozambican soldiers after they launched an armed assault doubled with arson targeting Mozambican Army positions in Mucojo in Macomia district. The attack was conducted along the R762 highway.
• 30^th Dec- Armed Insurgents entered Litamanda village in Macomia on the N380, fired guns into the air, and stole some goods as the local population fled.

The DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

• 27^th Dec- At least 14 people killed during clashes between FARDC and ISCAP in Kawame and Mambau, Ituri.
• 24^th Dec- ISCAP led an armed assault against Christians in Mayi-Moya, North Kivu, Congo.
• 22^nd Dec- ISCAP militants kidnapped and executed two Christians, in Kokola, North-Kivu, Congo
• 22^nd Dec- ISCAP militants ambushed a group of Christians on the RN4 road between Hyosha and Eringeti, North-Kivu, Congo
• 22^nd Dec- ISCAP militants led an armed assault on Christians In Kilya, North-Kivu.
• 19^TH Dec- ISCAP militants captured and executed 13 militia forces, on the RN4 in Ndimo, Mahala, And Ofaye Otto Maber, Ituri province.
• 15^th Dec- ISCAP militants ambushed a group of Christians, killing one running for election, along the Beni-Kasindi Road, North-Kivu.
• 15^th Dec- 10 people were killed during an attack attributed to the ISCAP in Beni-Mbau.
• 06^th Dec- ISCAP militants led an armed assault and arson on Congolese army forces in Eringeti, North-Kivu.
• 05^th Dec- ISCAP militants led an armed assault on Congolese Army Forces in Ndama, North-Kivu.
• 02^nd Dec- ISCAP militants led an armed assault on civilians at the village of Catherine, North-Kivu.
• 01^st Dec- ISCAP militants led an armed assault on the village of Kandate, Ituri Province.
• 01^st Dec- ISCAP militants ambushed a Christian on a motorcycle, on the Mbau-Kamango Road, Beni Region,
• 1^st Dec- at least 8 people killed by the ISCAP in 3 days in Bangole in Ituri.

UGANDA

• 18^th Dec- ISCAP militants conducted an armed assault on Kyabandara [Kyitehurizi] Parish Village, Kamweng District, Western Region, Uganda.
• 07^th Dec- ISCAP militants killed a woman and kidnapped a man, Ngoko, Kasese, Western Region, Uganda
• 05^th Dec- Security forces arrest Lavara Nyanza, an ISCAP intelligence operative, in Jinja, Kiira Region, Uganda
• 02^nd Dec- ISCAP militants targeted a group of Christians inside a bar with an IED, in the Kabalagala Neighbourhood Of Kampala, Central Uganda.

ANALYSIS

Mozambique

Resumption of ISM Attacks in Mozambican Security Forces

In December a resumption in attacks against Mozambican security forces was observed which highlights ISM’s strategic goal to enhance their firepower and logistical capabilities. The move should put CT partners on high alert seeing as the group appears to have been gearing up for a violent year especially as the Maputo has been announcing the return of calm and urging Total Energies to resume activity in the Province.

On December 7^th there was an attack by ISM on a Mozambican Defense and Security Forces (FDS) camp in Muidumbe district. The attack was claimed by Islamic State (IS) on social media and later posted pictures of the five dead bodies, one of which had been beheaded, and a stockpile of captured weapons and ammunition.

This was the first attack on the FDS since August 2023 when they overran a camp in Catupa forest, resulting in the death of seven soldiers. The recurring attacks by ISM emphasize the persistent threat posed by Islamist militant groups in Mozambique. The group’s ability to launch assaults on security forces indicates a level of operational capacity and organizational resilience.

The capture of a stockpile of weapons and ammunition potentially indicate a longer-term plan to sustain their insurgency and conduct more sophisticated attacks.

The recurrence of attacks on FDS bases suggests a pattern in ISM’s strategy. Understanding the vulnerabilities and patterns of the FDS could provide insights into potential areas for improvement in Mozambique’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Use of Social Media for Propaganda and to Showcase Group’s Brutality and Symbolic Violence

IS’s claim of responsibility and the subsequent dissemination of graphic images on social media showcase the group’s strategic use of digital platforms for propaganda purposes. This tactic aims to instill fear, attract recruits, and project a sense of strength and control. The beheading of one of the soldiers and the posting of such images are indicative of ISM’s brutality and its intention to use symbolic violence as a tool for psychological warfare. This could also be an attempt to garner international attention and amplify the impact of their actions.

Uganda

Lavara Nyanza, a suspected ISCAP rebel and a Congolese national was arrested by police in the Kiira region in Jinja, Uganda. Nyanza was arrested on 5^th December based on a tip-off from residents. Nyanza, who pretended to be a lunatic, was arrested while taking pictures of buildings along Iganga Road in Jinja City.

During the arrest, security personnel recovered two bullets and various documents outlining planned attacks on schools, government installations, and other facilities.

Nyanza claims to have been recruited into the ADF at the age of five and served in different units for the past 20 years and had been deployed on a spying mission in Uganda for the past three years. He held the position of Chief Cook for front-line combatants.

Nyanza revealed plans for a terror attack in Jinja City during the festive season, followed by a move to Busia.The area where Nyanza was arrested is described as congested with roadside food vendors, bars, and lodges, providing cover for individuals with malicious intentions.

IED Attacks in Uganda

In December, Security agencies in Uganda were on a hunt for suspected terrorists believed to have planted explosives in two busy townships, Kabalagala and Nansana, causing injuries but no fatalities.

The ongoing violence highlights the persistent threat posed by the ISCAP, underscoring the challenges in eliminating the group and the need for regional cooperation to address the transnational nature of the threat

The attacks underscore the persistent threat of ISCAP and affiliated groups, posing challenges to Uganda’s efforts to eliminate the rebels. President Museveni’s airstrikes may have disrupted ISCAP activities, but the group continues to carry out attacks, highlighting the complexity of the security situation. The violence not only affects Uganda but also poses a regional risk, as the ISCAP operates across borders. The need for enhanced regional cooperation and intelligence sharing is crucial to effectively address the transnational nature of the threat.

D.R. Congo

In December, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experienced a surge in violence and instability, coinciding with a general election. The situation was marked by numerous incidents involving clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP).

The overall situation underscores the complex security challenges faced by the DRC, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri, and emphasizes the need for effective measures to address the root causes of the conflict and protect civilian populations.

Sheikh Musa Kamusi, a prominent leader of the Ugandan ISCAP terrorists, was neutralized on December 27, 2023, along with his three bodyguards in Kamwenge, near Kasindi-Port in Uganda.

Musa Kamusi, a former Imam of the Kasindi mosque in Beni/Territory (North Kivu), had been captured by FARDC in the Ruwenzori sector during a military operation. He was later released in 2020 by his fellow terrorists in an attack against Kangbayi prison

The operation to neutralize Kamusi was carried out by a special unit of the Ugandan army in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) as part of Shujaa operations.

Kamusi was recognized as the perpetrator of several massacres of civilians, including those in the Mughalika valley on the Beni-Kasindi road. He was also involved in the recent massacre of students at Nyabugando high school in Uganda in collaboration with rebel leader Abouakas. Additionally, he played a role in recruiting young people to join the Al Sunnah jihadist movement in Mozambique.

Kamusi’s death is considered a significant blow to both the ISCAP and Islamic State branch in Mozambique (ISM), Intelligence indicates that he has been recruiting fighters in DRC and sending them to Mozambique.

The events in December reflect the intricate and volatile security landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. The clashes between FARDC and ISCAP, coupled with targeted attacks on civilians, Christians, and political figures, highlight the challenges in maintaining stability and security during a general election.

The incidents underscore the urgency for the DRC government, along with international partners, to address the root causes of the conflicts, strengthen security institutions, and implement comprehensive strategies for peacebuilding. Furthermore, protecting civilians, ensuring the integrity of democratic processes, and fostering stability should be prioritized to pave the way for a more secure and resilient DRC.

Somalia

Has had been the case in 2023 IS-Somalia conducted significantly fewer attacks in 2023. However, IS-Somalia’s ability to run shadow taxation and extortion networks in Mogadishu and Bosaso has significantly increased its revenue over the years, despite pressure from security forces and al-Shabaab. However, the killing of IS-Somalia leader Bila-al-Sudani and other fighters in January 2023 has disrupted the group’s internal workings, leading to a decrease in attacks.

Failure to address this financial issue could enable IS-Somalia to not only remain a significant security threat but also continue supporting other Islamic State affiliates in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Afghanistan.

CONCLUSION

In December 2023, the East and Central African regions, specifically Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Somalia, witnessed a surge in terrorist activities orchestrated by Islamic State affiliates. The events accentuate the multifaceted challenges faced by these countries, necessitating a comprehensive and coordinated approach to counter-terrorism efforts.

The resumption of Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) attacks on Mozambican security forces signifies an ongoing and persistent threat. The group’s strategic goals, demonstrated by the assault on a Defense and Security Forces (FDS) camp, indicate a focus on enhancing firepower and logistical capabilities. The use of social media for propaganda highlights ISM’s intention to instill fear and project strength internationally. There is a need for heightened vigilance, improved counter-terrorism strategies, and understanding vulnerabilities within Mozambique’s security forces.

The arrest of Lavara Nyanza, an ISCAP intelligence operative, in Uganda revealed intricate plans for terror attacks during the festive season. The continued use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in populated areas underscores the persistent threat posed by ISCAP. President Museveni’s airstrikes disrupted activities, but the group’s resilience necessitates enhanced regional cooperation and intelligence sharing to address the transnational nature of the threat.

The surge in violence in the DRC, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, coinciding with a general election, underscores the complex security challenges. The neutralization of Sheikh Musa Kamusi, a prominent ISCAP leader, is a significant blow to the group’s activities in the region. The events emphasize the urgency for addressing root causes, strengthening security institutions, and implementing comprehensive strategies for peacebuilding in the DRC.

In conclusion, a comprehensive and coordinated approach is essential to effectively counter the evolving and persistent terrorist threats in East and Central Africa. Regional collaboration, addressing root causes, and implementing targeted strategies are imperative for building resilient societies and fostering lasting stability.