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

Executive Summary:

In May, the Islamic State in Mozambique (ISM) in Cabo Delgado exhibited signs of renewed activity in previously liberated areas, along with the adoption of a different approach to violence through the implementation of a ‘hearts and minds campaign’. The violence showed a continuous escalation in the Muidumbe district, with large-scale insurgent movements observed in northern and central Macomia. Insurgents also reappeared in Meluco and Nangade. Surprisingly, along the coastline, the insurgent groups remained relatively peaceful. In Pangane, Macomia district, the insurgents reached out to fishermen, appealing to them to distance themselves from the Mozambican Defense and Security Forces (FDS). Following their consistent “hearts and minds” strategy implemented since February, they emphasized their reluctance to resort to violence but cautioned civilians against collaborating with the FDS.

Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) intensified its attacks in various locations, predominantly targeting the main roads of Ituri and North Kivu provinces. Despite the presence of local troops, the East Africa Community Regional Force (EACRF), and the promised deployment of SADC troops authorized in May, the attacks persisted. It was also announced that the mandate of the EACRF would conclude in September. The forces have faced criticism for adopting a passive approach in eastern DRC, particularly as the DRC government has consistently advocated for a more proactive and offensive mandate against the rebel groups.

In Somalia, although no attacks by the group were recorded, the Islamic State continued to release propaganda and promotional videos in Somali, Oromo, Amharic, and Swahili languages. This multilingual approach is part of the group’s strategy to attract recruits and encourage individuals to become martyrs, either in their home countries or by traveling to Somalia.

Incident Report:

MOZAMBIQUE

• 28^th May- 4 ISCAP terrorists were neutralized, a kidnapped baby and two weapons were recovered by the FARDC in Ruwenzori, Beni
• 26^th May- ISM militants clashed with Mozambican troops in the Tandako area in the Macomia district in Cabo Delgado (CD).
• 24^th May- Mozambican police force’s Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) conducted an ambush against ISM in Ngangolo village in Nangade killing at least 5 militants.
• 21^st May- ISM militants clashed with Mozambican Armed and supporting militia forces, in the Malanjuna Forest area, Muidumbe District.
• 20^th May- armed ISM militants attacked and injured several residents in Nkoe and Nova Zambezia villages in the Macomia district.
• 19^th May- 12 people were kidnapped and later released by ISM militants in Nkonga village, MDP. The insurgents also seized food supplies and warned the released hostages against collaborating with the military and allied troops.
• 19^th May- Mozambican troops activated a concealed landmine (or some type of explosive device) in Mandava village, Muidumbe. One soldier was killed and another was seriously injured.
• 19^th May- in another similar accident a farmer struck a grenade while clearing his farm resulting in an explosion and his death. The accident occurred in Matambalele village, Muidumbe.
• 14^th May- SADC forces were attacked by armed militants in Sita village in Macomia district
• 11^th May- one Christian was captured and beheaded by the ISM terrorists in Miangalewa village in the Macomia district.
• 06^th May- Government-backed militias attacked Mabati Village in Muidumbe district.
• 05^th May- at least 2 local militia force members were injured following an encounter with ISM militants near Litandacua in Muidumbe.
• 03^rd May- ISM militants clashed with Mozambican Armed and supporting militia forces, in Mandela village in Muidumbe district where at least 6 militants were killed.

The Democratic Republic of Congo

• 29^th May– ISCAP militants attacked the Christian village of Musya in the Beni region in North Kivu Province.
• 27^th May- 2 people were killed by ISCAP insurgents in the Rwenzori area in Beni
• 26^th May- 6 houses and two Motorcycles were razed and one person was seriously injured in a nighttime attack by ISCAP in Masiliko along the RN4 road in Ituri province
• 25^th May- several homes were razed to the ground and 5 Christians were killed in Kilia village in North Kivu Province.
• 25^th May- at least 15 people were killed in the Bambuba-Kisiki Kainana area in Beni following an armed assault by ISCAP terrorists.
• 24^th May– an armed assault by ISCAP left 1 civilian dead In Kabasiwa, Mulekia in Beni.
• 23^rd May- ISCAP terrorists killed 2 people and abduct another in Lupahimba village, Biu Area of Beni
• 21^st May– villagers in Kavandia in Beni were forced to flee their homes following an attack by the ISCAP insurgents.
• 21^st May- a Christian truck convoy was attacked and razed along the RN4 road in Ituri
• 19^th May- 26 Christians were killed and several others injured near Kabasiwa, Mulekia in Beni
• 19^TH May- 26 people including the village elder were killed in the Katolu area in Beni following an armed assault by ISCAP.
• 18^TH May- 13 people were brutally killed in attacks conducted by ISCAP militants in Otumberi and its environs along the RN4 road in Ituri Province.
• 16^th May- a military armed patrol was ambushed and attacked In Mahala in RN4 in Ituri.
• 14^th May- ISAP militants killed one and wounded another two civilians on RN2 between Beni and Kasindi areas.
• 12^th May- an ISCAP armed assault killed 2 civilians and injured several others in Kotoungo in Beni
• 11^th May- an ISCAP armed Assault targeted the Congolese Navy and Army, razing a floating bridge at Lake Edward, Kasindi Area, North-Kivu Province.
• 6^th May- 20 bodies were found in a mass grave believed to be victims of ISCAP near the Ndoma area in Beni.
• 4^th May- several homes were razed, 2 killed and another injured in an attack by ISCAP in Katiri on the RN2 in North Kivu
• 3^rd May- suspect ISCAP militants took control of a Congolese Army camp in Lubero on the RN2 in North Kivu.
• 2^nd May- 10 people were killed in a second attack by ISCAP in the Bashu area in North Kivu
• 2^nd May- a roadside IED destroyed a vehicle as well as killed the occupants on the RN2 in the Kariroma area in Bashu in North Kivu Province.
• 1^st May- a nighttime armed assault killed at least 6 Christians in Kabasiwa, Mulekia area in Beni Region.
• 1^st May- a nighttime armed assault killed at least 5 Christians and wounded several others in Makomo near Mambasa in Ituri province.

ANALYSIS AND INSIGHTS

MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique Legalizes Militia to Fight Insurgency

Mozambique has passed a decree legalizing the creation of local militias under the military to aid in the fight against Islamist militants in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. This decision comes after parliamentary approval was obtained in November, acknowledging that the Mozambican army alone was insufficient to combat the militants. The militias have been fighting against ISM alongside the military, SAMIM as well as Rwandan troops.

The decree aims to formalize and strengthen the role of the defense and security forces by providing better organization, logistics, and support for the local self-defense militias. It establishes the statute, activation, and deactivation processes, composition, methods of recruitment, and the rights and duties of the local force.

Return of Insurgents and End of SAMIM’s Mandate

Uncertainty looms over Nangade and Macomia districts, affecting both communities and security forces. In Nangade, the renewed insurgent movement has disturbed residents who had returned home, prompting a proactive response from the FDS. Clashes between insurgents and the military in Macomia indicate ongoing movements of both groups, hindering the district’s recovery in the north.

Community leaders’ demands stem from two main concerns: the return of insurgents to the district and fear that the end of SAMIM’s mandate, expected around July 15th, will lead to troop withdrawal.

Heart and Mind strategy by the ISM

The ISM has in the past few months changed its tactics to win over the people in CD with letters and Barazas that urge the locals against collaborating with the security forces and instead paying Zakat to them with a promise to end the violence. As is consistent with the ‘hearts and minds’ strategy the insurgents have pursued on the coast since February, they emphasized that they do not wish to use violence but warned civilians against cooperating with the FDS.

Some people in coastal communities in Macomia are said to be living peacefully with the insurgents, a local source told Cabo Ligado, adding that a significant deployment of FDS soldiers has been recently transported to Mucojo to cut off insurgent movements. Consequently, many displaced people who had returned to Macomia are leaving again for fear of government forces suspecting them of collaborating with the enemy.

Funding issues: SAMIM challenges

SADC encounters difficulties in maintaining the SAMIM mission as its mandate approaches renewal in July. Funding poses a challenge, as intelligence reports indicate that the mission is experiencing a financial shortfall. This situation arises at the same time when SADC authorized the deployment of troops from the SADC Standby Force to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on May 8th. The insurgency in Cabo Delgado presents a distinct threat compared to when SAMIM was initially deployed in July 2021. However, a larger concern for SADC member states, as well as the East African Community (EAC), revolves around Rwanda’s involvement in both the DRC and Mozambique. Intelligence reportedly quotes the mission expense deficit to be well over $30 million.

Japan offers funds for counterinsurgency

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Maputo in May, with a focus on cooperation in energy projects. During his visit, Kishida announced Japan’s offer to provide financial assistance for counterinsurgency efforts in Mozambique. This marks a notable shift in Japan’s pacifist stance, as security is seen as crucial for Japanese companies operating in northern Mozambique, including their involvement in the Mozambique LNG project.

D.R. CONGO

SADC deployment of standby force in DRC

In May, SADC authorized the deployment of a force to DRC and condemned all armed groups operating in DRC, it named only M23, allegedly a long-standing proxy of Rwanda. If deployed, such a force would rub shoulders with the existing EAC Regional Force (EACRF) which has a very unsteady relationship with the Congolese authorities and is expected to withdraw in September.

While it remains to be seen if troops will be deployed. If deployed, they would join the EACRF, and the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade (FIB), to which both Tanzania and South Africa contribute troops. Established in 2013, FIB played a leading role in defeating M23 at that time, leading to its retreat to Rwanda and Uganda.

EAC mandate and departure

The Heads of Member States of the East African Community (EAC) meeting in an extraordinary summit on Wednesday, May 31 in Bujumbura, Burundi, decided to leave the regional force of this organization deployed in the province of North Kivu. According to the Ministry of Regional Integration, the heads of state of the EAC had agreed that the forces deployed in North Kivu would leave DRC in September.

There has been tension on the mandate of the force which the EAC partner countries maintaining that the role of the force ought to be and remain peaceful and stability while Kinshasa has on numerous occasions noted that they hoped the mandate would be more military offensive-based than dialogue.

SOMALIA

Islamic State Somalia Goes Multilingual

The branch of the Islamic State in Somalia is trying to expand its reach by providing propaganda in Somali, Oromo, Amharic, and Swahili languages. While the group still gets support from ISIS-Central, the Somalia branch is bolstered by several unofficial media outlets and online supporter networks. Prominent efforts are focused on gaining support from Somali, Amharic, Oromo, and Swahili-speaking populations. These supporters utilize various platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Telegram, and the pro-Islamic State I’Lam Foundation, which is an archival website available on the dark web. This foundation offers an updated collection of Islamic State propaganda materials.

Efforts by ISS are exploited by the pro-Islamic State propaganda groups in pushing to expand the movement’s reach by appealing to and winning over radical elements in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, South Sudan, Somalia, and Mozambique where the language are largely spoken.

Conclusion

The situation in East and Central Africa, particularly in Mozambique, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, requires a comprehensive and coordinated response. It is crucial to address the renewed activity of Islamic State-affiliated groups, counter their propaganda efforts, strengthen security forces, and ensure sufficient funding for counterinsurgency operations.

Additionally, regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, and international support are vital for effectively combating terrorism, maintaining stability, and protecting the affected populations.

While the various nations appear to be dealing with the IS menace independently, collaboration with regional and international partners to monitor and disrupt the online platforms used by ISS and its supporters in the region at large. Nations ought to enhance intelligence sharing and coordination among themselves to combat the spread of terrorism and extremist ideologies.