Monthly Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Brief for East and Central Africa (Somalia, Mozambique, and DR-Congo): Tracking Islamic State Terrorists in June 2024

The June 2024 Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Brief for East and Central Africa highlights a surge in terrorist activities across Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Somalia. The Islamic State’s affiliates, ISM in Mozambique and ISCAP in the DRC, have intensified their operations, causing significant casualties, displacements, and escalating humanitarian crises. In Somalia, security forces have taken measures to curb the activities of the Islamic State Somalia (ISS). Herein is a detailed account of the attacks, responses by security forces, and efforts to manage and mitigate the impacts of these insurgencies.

MOZAMBIQUE

• 19^th June– ISM militants attacked the administrative center in Mbau, Mocimboa da Praia (MDP)
• 19^th June– ISM militants conducted an armed assault in Napala village in Chiure district.
• 18^th June– Armed Islamists insurgents attacked Nicupua village in Chiure district.
• 18^th June– ISM terrorists attacked Nahavara (also known as Narenga) village in Mecufi district.
• 14^th June– increased ISM presence caused the population of Nanlia village in Ancuabe district to flee.
• 11^th June– HUMINT sources reported that a 10-year old boy was killed by landmines set by ISM in the outskirts of Mbau village in MDP.
• 10^TH June– Nacoba village in MDP was attacked by suspected Islamic State insurgents
• 8^th June– A Rwandan Armed force patrol was targeted by an IED on the road between Nambala and Manica MDP.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

• 28^th June- ISCAP insurgents attacked Congolese Armed forces in Kambau, Lubero Region in North Kivu.
• 28^th June- insurgents led and armed assault against civilians in Kambau, Lubero region
• 27^th June- several Christians were captured and executed in Idohu in Ituri Province.
• 26^th June- civilians were attacked by ISCAP militants in Ngere, Lubero Region.
• 25^th June- ISCAP militants ambushed Christians near Ndjiapanda in Lubero region.
• 24^th June- two Christians were captured and executed by ISCAP militants in Ndjiapanda in Lubero region.
• 22^nd June- ISCAP militants conducted an armed assault against civilians in Ofai in Ituri province.
• 20^th June- ISCAP militants ambushed militia forces loyal to the Congolese armed forces in Ndjiapanda in Lubero Region.
• 20^th June- Militants clashed with a foot patrol of the Congolese armed forces in Ndjiapanda in Lubero.
• 20^th June- ISCAP militants capture and execute 22 Christians in Bamande Village in Ituri.
• 19^th June- ISCAP militants conducted an armed assault against Congolese Army Barracks near Samboko in Ituri.
• 19^th June- ISCAP insurgents led and armed assault against civilians in Esege, Lubero region.
• 19^th June- ISCAP insurgents led and armed assault against Congolese security forces in Esege, Lubero region.
• 18^th June- militants led an armed assault against civilians in Mbata in Lubero Region.
• 14^th June- ISCAP insurgents led and armed assault against civilians in Lumba, North Kivu
• 12^th June- insurgents attacked the Christian Village of Masongo along RN2 in Beni region.
• 12^th June- at least 45 Christians were killed by ISCAP insurgents uin Mayikengo village in Lubero area
• 11^th June- at least 10 Christians were killed by ISCAP insurgents in Manya village in Ituri
• 11^th June- ISCAP militants attacked and terrorized Mbandaka and four surrounding villages in Beni region.
• 10^th June- ISCAP militants captured and executed 3 Christians near Kantin in Beni.
• 9^th June- Makwasa village in Beni region was attacked by suspected militants ISCAP militants.
• 9^th June- Islamists conducted and armed assault on the village north of the town of Kantin in Beni.
• 6^th June- ISCAP militants ambushed a vehicle, in Kanialuna village, between Kabasha and Kalunguta, on the Beni-Butembo-Kasindi Road in Beni Region.
• 7^th June- armed militants killed at least 60 civilians in Masali area in Beni.
• 7^th June- at least 4 Christians were killed in Kantin region in Beni.
• 5^th June- several civilians were attacked by ISCAP militants on the RN2 in Kyavikere in North Kivu.
• 4^th June- ISCAP Militants led an armed assault on civilians on the RN4 in Sesa Ituri Province.
• 4^th June- ISCAP Militants led an armed assault on civilians in the Mashua area in North Kivu.
• 3^rd June- ISCAP Militants led an armed assault on civilians in Mangina, North Kivu.
• 3^rd June- ISCAP militants captured and killed a civilian on RN4 near Ndalya in Ituri.
• 2^nd June- Islamic State militants attacked civilians In Kainama, North Kivu.

SOMALIA

• 17^TH June- Security forces detained a 17-year-old boy suspected of planning to join the Islamic State Somalia (ISS) in ‘Ara, Haifa District, Israel.
• 1^st June- Three ISS Militants killed in a United States-Led air strike in Dhaadaar, Bari Region, Puntland.

MOZAMBIQUE

Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) has continued its campaign of violence in Cabo Delgado province. Key incidents include multiple assaults on villages and administrative centers, the killing of civilians, and attacks on security forces. Despite a significant setback for ISM at the hands of the Rwandan Security Forces (RSF) on May 29, where many insurgents were killed, the group remains active, particularly in the southern districts of Mecufi and Chiúre. Efforts to dismantle ISM’s online propaganda networks have made some progress, while initiatives to rehabilitate former insurgents are underway. The withdrawal of Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) troops has led to increased ASWJ terrorist activities, prompting Tanzania to bolster its defenses and launch deradicalization campaigns along its border.

Crackdown on IS Online Platforms

EUROPOL announced on 14 June the dismantling of key online infrastructure used by IS for propaganda and recruitment, in joint operations since 2022 with Spain’s Guardia Civil and the FBI. This crackdown has significantly reduced IS Telegram channels, affecting ISM’s communication and propaganda efforts. The operation, named Operation Almuasasa, targeted the IS-affiliated Ilham Foundation, dismantling networks in several countries and leading to arrests in Spain. This has restricted ISM’s ability to demonstrate its IS affiliation and access financial and technical support.

Rehabilitation Centers for Insurgents

Cabo Delgado plans to set up rehabilitation centers in Mocímboa da Praia, Macomia, and Muidumbe for former insurgents. These centers aim to reintegrate both voluntary and forcibly recruited insurgents into society, managed by the government and the International Organisation for Migration. The rehabilitation centers will be run by the government and the IOM without the presence of state security forces as they often deter insurgents from turning themselves in. It is unclear whether it will be practical to establish such a center in Macomia in the near future, given the frequency of insurgent attacks in the district. President Filipe Nyusi has previously urged insurgents to leave the bush, promising amnesty.

SAMIM Withdrawal and Tanzanian Forces increased Role

As SAMIM concluded its withdrawal from the Cabo Delgado region, Tanzania is taking proactive measures to protect itself from the resurgence of terrorism along its southern border. The Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) has been part of SAMIM and currently operates a separate 300-person mission in the Nangade district of Cabo Delgado, near the Tanzanian border.

The recent planned withdrawal of SAMIM troops has emboldened ASWJ terrorists, who have begun to reassert their presence. Tanzania, meanwhile, is determined to maintain its presence in Cabo Delgado as a buffer against cross-border recruitment and potential terrorist attacks. The TDPF has launched a deradicalization campaign in border communities to counter recruitment efforts. Analyst Dastan Kweka noted that the Mozambique-Tanzania border has historically been difficult to defend, necessitating the positioning of combat-ready contingents nearby.

DRC

In June 2024, the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has significantly deteriorated, especially in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. The Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) has notably increased its activity in the Lubero area of North Kivu, leading to widespread violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises.

The DRC government has been attempting to stabilize the region by deploying additional troops and enhancing security operations. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains limited due to the complex and volatile nature of the conflict. Additionally, The Wazalendo militia, a community defense force, has been involved in local defense efforts. Despite their efforts, they face challenges due to limited resources and training compared to the well-armed insurgents​

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has been actively assessing the security situation and providing support to local communities. From June 20-25, MONUSCO conducted a mission to assess the security and humanitarian situations in southern Lubero territory​. MONUSCO has been working to facilitate humanitarian assistance and provide protection to displaced populations. However, attacks on MONUSCO personnel and assets have complicated their efforts, with the UN calling for a responsible and sustainable withdrawal of the mission​.

Additionally, as part of the hunt for ISCAP, the Congolese army and MONUSCO launched a joint operation in the territory of Beni, in North Kivu. MONUSCO made this information public on Monday, June 3, 2024. The operation called “Cheng Gong” is aimed at establishing mobile bases in several towns in Beni in order to limit the movements of the ISCAP in order to neutralize them. According to the iontelligence, these mobile bases will be established in Mamove, Samboko and on the Musuku – Kudukudu-Mandumbi axis.

The launch of this joint operation comes in a context of renewed terror activities in the surroundings of the rural commune of Mangina and part of the neighboring Babila Babombi chiefdom in the Mambasa territory.

The security situation in the DRC, particularly in North Kivu’s Lubero territory, remains dire with ISCAP’s increased activity exacerbating the already fragile environment. While the DRC government, local militias, MONUSCO, and SADC troops are making concerted efforts to counter the insurgency and provide humanitarian relief, significant challenges persist. The international community continues to call for enhanced support and coordinated actions to address the multifaceted crisis in the region.

Recommendations

To effectively combat the rising threat of terrorist groups in East and Central Africa, a multifaceted approach is essential. The following recommendations outline critical steps to enhance regional security and stability:

Enhanced regional collaboration is crucial. Strengthening alliances and fostering joint operations among countries in East and Central Africa will address the transnational nature of terrorist activities. Improved coordination and intelligence sharing will enhance the collective ability to track and dismantle insurgent networks that operate across borders.

Support for local forces must be increased. Providing more training and resources for local security forces and community defense groups will significantly improve their effectiveness in counter-insurgency operations. Empowering these forces to protect their communities more effectively is vital for sustained security.

Developing comprehensive counter-insurgency strategies is necessary. These strategies should integrate military actions with initiatives to address the underlying socio-economic grievances that fuel insurgency. By tackling the root causes of terrorism, these holistic approaches can help reduce the appeal of insurgent groups and prevent future recruitment.

Ensuring sustained humanitarian assistance is also essential. Continuous international support for humanitarian efforts is needed to aid displaced populations and rebuild affected communities. This support will help mitigate the impact of violence on civilians and contribute to long-term regional stability.

Finally, monitoring and adaptation are key components of an effective counter-terrorism strategy. Regularly assessing and adapting counter-terrorism strategies in response to the evolving tactics of insurgent groups will ensure that efforts remain relevant and effective. This dynamic approach will enable security forces to stay ahead of terrorist threats and respond promptly to new challenges.

Conclusion and Insights

The security landscape in East and Central Africa remains fraught with challenges as terrorist activities by Islamic State affiliates continue to destabilize the region. Despite some successful counter-terrorism efforts, such as the repelling of ISM’s assault in Mozambique and joint operations in the DRC, insurgent groups remain resilient and capable of conducting lethal attacks. The effectiveness of military responses is hampered by the insurgents’ mobility, use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and their ability to exploit local grievances.

Key Insights:

1. Persistent Threat: The Islamic State affiliates in Mozambique and the DRC are showing a persistent threat capability, evidenced by the frequency and brutality of their attacks in June 2024.
2. Humanitarian Impact: The ongoing violence is exacerbating humanitarian crises, displacing populations, and overwhelming local resources. Efforts by MONUSCO and other international bodies are critical but insufficient in the face of escalating violence.
3. Cross-Border Dynamics: The withdrawal of SAMIM and the increased role of Tanzanian forces in Mozambique highlight the importance of regional cooperation in countering terrorism. The porous borders and shared security challenges necessitate coordinated efforts across East and Central Africa.
4. Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Mozambique’s initiative to establish rehabilitation centers for former insurgents is a positive step towards long-term peace. However, the success of such programs depends on sustained security and community support.
5. Digital Crackdown: The dismantling of IS’s online platforms is a significant achievement in disrupting their propaganda and recruitment efforts. Continued international collaboration is essential to target and dismantle these digital networks.