Government forces killed 129 insurgents in four operations in April, Interior Minister Amad Miquidade reported, in a joint press conference with Defence Minister Jaime Neto.
+ 39 killed in Muidumbe on 7 April.
+ 59 killed on Quirimba island on 10 April.
+ 30 killed on Ibo Island on 11-12 April.
+ 1 Killed on Ibo with the capture of a boat on 13 April.
Nothing was said about government casualties.
Zitamar (29 Apr) writes “In a press conference yesterday, the ministers of defence and the interior said they wouldn’t ‘tolerate’ those who accuse the state of killing civilians during counter-terrorism operations. The comment was aimed at opposition party Renamo, but it has also been interpreted as a veiled threat to the media.”
Seventeen national and international civil society organizations have submitted a letter to President Filipe Nyusi expressing their concern about the increase in police violence against defenceless civilians in Cabo Delgado by the police Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) and the Special Operations Group (GOE). The organizations also denounce the “harassment and intimidation” of civil society groups and journalists. They note in particular the disappearance on 7 April of Ibraimo Abu Mbaruco, a journalist at Palma Community Radio. Zitamar (29 Apr) reports that “Mbaruco continues to be held by the military”, and that he was held first in the military quarters in Muidumbe. and is now being held in Mueda.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with President Filipe Nyusi and Defence Minister Jaime Neto this afternoon in Chimoio.