Travel Safe in Mozambique

How Safe is Mozambique?

Is Mozambique Safe? 

Does the violence in the far north affect tourists?

Risk Level: Medium

Mozambique was surprised by the Mocimboa da Praia attacks in early October 2017. A group of about 40 young men, some armed with guns, others with machetes, tried to take over this small district capital. Since then there has been lots of attacks in rural area in this and Palma District, the region of the new gas megaproject. It's important to note that this is an area with very few tourists so tourism in Mozambique is still considered safe. These isolated incidents are very centralised and the areas should be avoided until the situation is normalised. Targets have been local community members.

See "Islamic Terrorists in Northern Mozambique" page for updates     

Does the fighting between the government and Renamo affect tourists?

Risk Level: Very Low

The new peace accord signed in September 2014 held firm for twelve months but recent events means you should keep up to date with news in Mozambique. Even at the height of the conflict in 2013 and 2014 no foreign tourists were hurt, or indeed targetted. But certain roads were randomly shot at far from tourist hotspots. The new 2017 peace accord, that actually dates back to December 2016 is now holding firm and few analysts expect these problems to to start again any time soon

See "Calendar of Events" on this page for updates     --->

A Calendar of Events 2013 - 2018

Map from @Verdade Newspaper

Fire indicates confrontation points

Does the recent upsurge in kidnappings affect tourists?

Risk Level: Very Low

Over the last three years the number of kidnappings in Maputo has grown rapidly, there has also been a few cases in Beira. These kidnappings are targeting the most wealthy families in Mozambique. At present there is extremely low chance that a tourist would be targeted. Usually the kidnappers have considerable information about their victims including even the amount of money in their private bank accounts.

25/06/18 - One year since our last update shows how calm the situation is. Despite Dhlakama's unexpected death there is still peace between Renamo and the government as we look ahead to October's Municipal Elections

25/06/17 - Independence Day being celebrated in Mozambique today and thoughts of the political unrest are long behind us. We are now preparing for elections about one year away and dont expect any unrest before then

04/05/17 - Dhlakama announces an "indefinite" peace deal with final touches still being done before a peace accord is signed between Renamo and Frelimo

16/04/17 - Municipal elections have been confirmed for 10th of November 2018, further indication that the political situation has stabalised as all three majors parties start preparing for what will be hotly contested elections before the big election in 2019

04/02/17 - President announces that the International Peace negotiators will no longer be required, further evidence that President Nyusi and President Dhlakama are making headway in reaching a peace agreement

07/01/17 - The cease-fire is being respected despite the government still not confirming that it is also refraining from military activity. Importantly the military columns in Inhambane, Sofala, and Manica Provinces are no longer enforced and travel is now unrestrained

28/12/16 - Dhlakama announces a seven day truce beginning immediately

18/10/16 - Another Renamo assassination today with two victims. Flor Armando and "Zeca" were shot in a drive-ny shooting as they were travelling on a motorbike. Flor Armando was a member of the Nampula Provincial Assembly

08/10/16 - The reach of the war was felt in the country's capital with an opposition member gunned down whilst doing his morning exercise this morning. Jeremias Pondeca was part of the joint commission negotiating the peace deal with international advisers and the government. The assassination shows the depth to which this war has not reached

07/10/16 - The Nampula police announced that Vale's train carying coal to the Nacala port was attacked by gunmen at Mutuali in Malema district. The driver suffered minor injuries from flying glass 

03/10/16 - A train was attacked in Nampula Province on the line that links Cuamba with Nampula City. The train was not carrying any goods

30/07/16 - There is confusion regarding Renamo's alleged attack in Mopeia. Vehicles were burned, and one prisoner in the police station jail was killed in another fire. The Hospital was also looted. During the attack gunfire was heard for 45 minutes

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26/07/16 -  More unrest in Cheringoma, Sofala when the police startion was attacked and a police officer was killed. INAS was also attacked and pension payments stolen

25/07/16 - Another Vale train was attacked in Cheringoma in Sofala Province with the driver shot in the back. Vale has once again suspended the use of this line

22/07/16 - The N7 is being attacked on average three times a week but rarely making the news. When it makes the news the official line seems to differ from witnesses. After the attack today the police reported 2 injured persons, witnesses in the convoy reported 16 people injured

20/07/16 - After a week of relative calm on Mozambique's central highways talks finally got under way around a very large table wth over 20 negotiators present - many of them International Observers

11/07/16 - As attacks continue, especially on the Chimoio to Tete route, mediators are due to arrive in Maputo today however still no dates has been set for the beginning of peace talks

26/06/16 - Continuing attacks on the EN7 between Chimoio and Tete making this stretch the centre of conflict. In this attack another passenger bus was attacked

16/06/16 - Hopes of a ceasefire as President Nyusi confirms that the government has agreed to international negotiators - a sticking point for Renamo's leader Dhlakama. Fresh hopes that the "war" that is not a war could be over soon

12/06/16 - A new military convoy has now began between Chimoio and the border of Manica and Tete after the recent spate of attacks. The new convoy was promptly attacked on its first day

11/06/16 - Three more Malawian trucks, carrying fuel to the land-locked country, were set ablaze forcing the country to reconsider how it transports fuel into the country. The attack happened at Nyasakara, the same location where Malawians nationals were recently killed in crossfire

09/06/16 - Vale have confirmed that a second train has been attacked by gunman, this time the train's driver was struck my broken glass

08/06/16 - A Malawian truck carrying fuel from Beira to the country was set aflame. The driver was unharmed

07/06/16 - Bandits believed to be Renamo gunman attacked a Vale coal train that was returning to Tete. The assistant was injured in the attack. This is the first instance of a train being attacked since hostilities recommenced earlier this year

03/06/16 - The political instability is now being felt as far as south as Funhalouro, in Inhambane Province. Reports of houses being burnt down by armed men and villagers fleeing from Tsenane in fear. 

23/05/16 - More injured civilians, this time on the Muxungue / Rio Save strip which has been relatively quieter compared to its focus of attacks two years ago

21/05/16 - Four bus companies all attacked on the same day near Nzero (Zero) in Zambezia Province. Dhlakama had assured Mozambicans that buses carrying military troops (Nagi and Etrago) were targets but on this day buses belonging to Maningue Nice and Tango Line were also attacked. Dhlakama claims Renamo has intelligence inside the military and knows which buses are carrying troops before they leave

19/05/16 - Correios de Moçambique bus attacked with three people reportedly injured

18/05/16 - Finally a light at the end of the tunnel as Renamo agree to talks. In a tentative first steps the talks are to set an agenda for following peace talks

15/05/16 - A Philippine woman was killed in an attack near Mocuba in Zambezia Province. 5 others in the same transport were injured

14/05/16 - A South African vehicle was attacked in Chinguno, Manica Province and one passenger was killed

21/04/16 - Four Malawian nationals were killed in Tete Province by men described to be wearing military clothing. Three other Malawian men are suffering from gunshot wounds

12/04/16 - Calm on roads as no reported attacks on convoys for over a week

30/03/16 - A tree that blocked a road remained in its position for two days on the EN1 near Lungodzi as army, and others were reluctant to move it thinking it was a trap

28/03/16 - A government motorcade was attacked by gunmen in one of the most brash attacks recorded since violence returned in January. The attack occurred on the N7 in Manica Province and three police were injured.

27/03/16 - Similar to the 25th of September Armed Forces Day attack on Dhlakama in 2015, a special day was chosen to raid the residences of the Renamo leader in Maputo. Easter Sunday witnessed raids on both houses, in which Dhlakama has not visited in years, and arms were seized, 12 of the 40 AK47s were in working order. Renamo complained that the raids were carried out with no warrant

24/03/16 - Fighting reported today as far north as Mocuba in Zambezia Province. Fighting took place near a reported Renamo base at Muratone

23/03/16 - More attacks registered on buses on the Tete highway support claims from travellers that despite less news about attacks there are still vehicles being shot at constantly. A Inhassoro lodge recently posted a guide to handling the convoys and how to avoid attacks on the Facebook Group Mozambique Tourism para todos  https://www.facebook.com/groups/MozambiqueTourismTurismo/

19/03/16 - Reports of another bus attack on the EN1 in Mopeia district in Zambezia Province

13/03/16 - Calm in Mozambique's central region is maintained whilst political parties debate how peace talks can take place

07/03/16 - Reports of another Nagi Investimentos bus being attacked, this time in Zambezia Province between Nicoadala and Nzero. It has been suggested that Nagi Investimentos buses are being targetted as the company is own by a government member. It is also claimed that these buses transport government troops

05/03/16 - A passenger bus run by the company Nagi Investimentos was attacked on the Tete Chimoio highway in Manica Province - an area never previously attacked even dating back to 2013

29/02/16 - A return to relative calm has no incidents are reported around the country for two days. Tomorrow, the 1st of March, is the day Renamo threatened to begin ruling the north

26/02/16 - For over one week Central Mozambique has suffered on average two attacks per day. Not only on the military columns but also at police stations in Inhambane Province, and Manica Province. The situation remains very unpredictable and most embassies are heightening their travel warnings despite a large majority of the country being absolutely safe to travel in.

http://www.mozambicanhotels.com/tourist-information/mozambique-tourism-news/embassies-and-un-heighten-their-travel-warnings-to-mozambique-160226

23/02/16 - First reports of attacks in Manica Province as gunmen attacked police in the district of Barue. Compounding concerns about safety in Mozambique's central region one of the two military convoy was shot at also today. One person was seriously wounded in the leg

21/02/16 - Complicating travelling north/south even further in Mozambique is a new military convoy between Nhamapadza and Caia. Nhamapadza is in the district of Maringue, where many of the latest ambushes have taken place between 50-100 kms SW of Caia

18/02/16 - The Muxungue - Rio Save convoy restarts in central Mozambique

17/02/16 - A new set of attacks took place 70km South-west of Caia, the town that sits at the border between Sofala and Zambezia Provinces. It would be advisable to avoid the EN1 between Muxungue and Caia until there is more information. A truck driver was killed in one of the attacks

14/02/16 - After two days of consecutive attacks two consecutive days of normal traffic flow in the Muxungue area. TV reporters in the area show the highway moving freely with the support of a significant troop presence

12/02/16 - Following yesterdays surprise attacks there are reports of more shooting today, around Muxungue, and also further north at Maringue District, former home of Renamo leader Dhlakama. There are reports of at least six people injured but no fatalities

11/02/16 - Reports of four civilian vehicles being hit by bullets around the infamous Muxungue, Rio Save area. 

08/02/16 - Renamo threaten to cut off Mozambique's main highways at different strategic points

8/01/16 - Travellers are warned to avoid the route between Nzero (Zero) and Morrumbala after reports of confrontations in this area between Government forces and men believed to be part of Renamo

25/01/16 - The American Embassy in Mozambique has requested a transparent investigation into the shooting of Renamo's Secretary General who was shot in his vehicle last week

20/01/16 - Renamo's Secretary General, Manuel Bissopo was shot twice in Beira. His guard was killed whilst Bissopo was rushed to hospital

10/01/16 - Increased reports fron UNHCR and Africa Confidential of Mozambican refugees fleeing to Malawi amongst alleged violence in the Province of Tete. Refugees claim that their crops and houses are being burnt amongst claims that they are members of opposition party Renamo

20/11/15 - President Nyusi calls for the end of the forceful desarmament of Renamo

15/11/15 - Unclear reports of numers of fatalities and injured as the government continues their policy to disarm Renamo by force

10/11/15 - Unsettling images show members of Renamo being maltreated by Police and "disarmed" when no arms where found in their ransacked houses. 

30/10/15 - Reported clashes close to Morrumbala, Zambézia Province, started out as rumours two days ago but evidence has now emerged of substantial fighting having taken place. Government admits confrontations took place but has yet to report numbers of fatalities or injuries

18/10/15 - Renamo and the Governmnent claim the each other is lying regarding the actual location of Dhlakama. Government claim he is still in his house in Beira, whilst Renamo claim he has gone to an undisclosed location 

09/10/15 - Only one day out of hiding and Dhlakama's house is raided and his guard disarmed in Beira

06/10/15 - Dhlakama remaims in hiding after these two assassination attempts but promises not to retaliate

02/10/15 - Confirmation of battles in the Gondola region of Manica Province. CanalMoz reports government forces attacking this area with both the Provincial Police Commander, and Renamo confirming the attacks. There are reports of the population fleeing as their huts are burned.

26/09/15 - For the second time in two weeks Renamo Leader Dhlakama's convoy was attacked, this time resulting in between 10-30 deaths depending upon who reported the incident. Included in the deaths was a civilian who was driving a minibus full of passengers

20/09/15 - Government claims that attack on Dhalkama's convoy was staged despite independant news sources, including a Portuguese reporter, confirming the ambush.

13/09/15 - Tensions continue to grow as reports from Tete of Renamo President, Afonso Dhlakama's convoy coming under attack from government forces

23/08/15 - Police claim they are attacked by Renamo fighters in Tete on a remote stretch of road where up to 12 road blocks had been set up to impede their travel. No casualties were reported

15/06/15 - After almost a year of peace reports have fighting have been confirmed in Tete Province

12/05/15 - Dhlakama once again made a veiled threat saying that he will govern within two months at a rally in Nacala. "If Frelimo want to play around we will rule by force" 

30/04/15 - Parliament on 30 April rejected Renamo's proposal to create "autonomous provinces" (autarquias provinciais) similar to the elected municipalities. The vote was 138 to 98, with Frelimo voting against and Renamo and MDM voting for. 

04/04/15 - Reports of attacks between Renamo men and the government in Guijá district in Gaza, a very southern point for Renamo and a historically a stronghold of Frelimo

29/03/15 - Guebuza stands down as Frelimo President leaving hope that a real peaceful way forward can be found between Renamo's leader, and new President, Nyussi

22/02/15 - Debate still rages about planned autonomous zones. Frelimo powerplayers insisting it will never happen despite Nyussi's promise to Dhlakama

12/02/15 - Renamo's members of parliament are finally sworn in ending the stand-off. The concession seeming to be autonomous regions somewhere in Mozambique

07/02/15 - President Nyussi meets with Dhlakama in an important step to securing peace

15/01/15 - Nyussi is sworn in as Mozambique's new President

19/12/14 - Less confusion about the municipal bielection in Cuamba. Only 25% of voters bothered voting

15/12/14 - Continuing uncertainty as further concerns about the election's validity continue. Constitutional Council demands the election summaries that both CNE and STAE blame each other for having misplaced

27/11/14 - The opposition leader announced that he would govern the country next year hinting that the country could fall back into violence if no agreement is met. Dhlakama believes the elections were fraudulent and that Frelimo and Renamo should rule together for the next five years

20/11/14 - There is really no question about safety in travelling in Mozambique as events from last year seem a lifetime away

07/11/14 - Election result is still being questioned on many fronts but importantly peace and stability is no longer questioned

28/10/14 - Almost two weeks have passed since election day and the high number of cases of confirmed fraud are compounded by the long illegal delay of results

20/10/14 - Renamo leader believes mediation is required due to the high number of cases of fraud discovered during election day. There is an undertone of a threat of returning to hostilities

15/10/14 - Elections were held countrywide with few incidents but a worrying number of cases of fraud, and violence by police

06/10/14 - Less than two weeks to go to nationwide elections and the situation remains relatively calm to previous years

24/09/14 - Despite relatively peaceful campaigning countrywide the Province of Gaza showed that elections can get violent quickly. Attacks were levelled against MDM campaigning in Macia, Chokwe and Xai Xai

22/09/14 - Military convoys on the EN1 are a distant memory as election campaigning continues with a mild increase in violence 

15/09/14 - Election campaigning continues calmly. Dhlakama due to begin his campaign tomorrow after his almosttwelve months in hiding

11/09/14 - Now with the new agreement already passed through parliament campaigning for next month's elections has begun

05/09/14 - Dhlakama returning to Maputo for an almost pop-star welcome the scene is now set for the photograph session with both leaders affirming the peace process is now complete

02/09/14 - Mozambique enjoys the freedom of no more convoys on the EN1 as Dhlakama is due to arrive in Maputo on Thursday

30/08/14 - Three months of peace, and now a peace accord finally signed before the electoral campaign formally begins next week

28/08/14 - After almost 12 months of Mozambique being divided by a problematic military convoy between Rio Save and Muxungue the EN1 finally opens unhindered today. Further proof that Sunday's peace accord will be long lasting

25/08/14 - And finally the peace deal signed! Representantives of Renamo and Frelimo signed the peace deal Sunday evening (24/08/14) after the Renamo leader refused to leave his hiding place until the peace treaty was signed

22/08/14 - Almost two months of peace but the convoy still continues in Muxingue/Rio Save. To break the impasse the government will send a delegation to sign the peace accord with Renamo leader Dhlakama. He has been unwilling to leave his "uncertain location" until his safety is assured

20/08/14 -  The continuing peace is offset by continuing debate over the finer points of the Renamo Frelimo agreement

15/08/14 - The country awaits the more ceremonial signing with President Guebuza and Dhlakama but this is being delayed as amnesty passes through the house of parliament. Peace now for 1.5 months.

12/08/14 - Reports indicate that the agreement has been signed, and will be announced and broadcast today in Maputo!

11/08/14 - There is cofirmation that President Guebuza and Renamo leader Dhlakama have spoken and the latter will travel to Maputo shortly to sign the new peace agreement

06/08/14 - All indications that there will be an agreement signed shortly with the government requesting a few days to reflect on the agreement so far reached

03/08/14 - Final details are still being agreed upon but all signs indicate continued peace, now a month with no fighting anywhere in the country

31/07/14 - Hopes of an agreement being signed this week are fading as more details are still be agreed upon. Meanwhile peace continues countrywide

29/07/14 - Major breakthrough announced yesterday with both Renamo and Frelimo announcing that an agreement has essentially been made. This could be formalised as early as Wednesday

27/07/14 - No attacks reported anywhere around the country now for three weeks

21/07/14 - Continuing stability further encouraged by Renamo and Frelimo's announcement on Friday afternoon confirming that good progress has been made after Renamo brought a new strategy to the table

18/07/14 - Over two weeks without any attacks on the military column in the centre of the page providing further hope of sustained peace

17/07/14 - The President's spokesperson guaranteed the Renamo's leader's safety and expressed Frelimo's desire to end the current fighting with dialogue paving the way for Dhlakama to leave his bush hideaway where he has been since his house in Casa Banana was attacked by the military last year

14/07/14 - Despite the continuing unstable political situation there have been no attacks on the military column in 11 days

11/07/14 - Relief as Renamo's leader, Afonso Dhlakama, states that there will not be retaliation after the party's spokesperson was arrested on Monday. He did state that he thought the arrest unconstitutional

09/07/14 - The scandal revolving around the jailing of Renamo spokesperson grows as his lawyer is refused audience with him contravening Mozambique's constitution

08/07/14 - Many Mozambicans wait in anticipation of what will now transpire with the controversial arrest of Renamo's spokesperson yesterday as he left the parliament building

04/07/14 - After a two-week break Renamo and Frelimo are back in talks aimed to end the ongoing hostilities. The rest of the country remains peaceful for travellers but the small length of 100km of the EN1 should be avoided

03/07/14 - Two attacks on the same day on the military column as talks begin again

28/06/14 - Two civilians were reported by Jornal Verdade of having lost their lives today with the worst week of civilian casualities since trouble began a year ago. Fighting also took place today once again in Zambezia Province

27/06/14 - More attacks on the convoy as they keep on coming essentially every day. 

26/06/14 - At least two civilians were wounded in the cross fire during today's attacks on the military column

23/06/14 - Another eventful weekend passes on the Muxungue strip as the political stand-off continues but the rest of Mozambique lives undisturbed by the centralised violence. Check Facebook group page for footage of shooting

21/06/14 - Another day and another attack on the column. Reports this morning of an LTM passenger bus being caught up in the crossfire.

19/06/14 - Two more attacks occurred yesterday on the military column but today a rare day with no attacks registered

17/06/14 - Another attack near Muxungue this morning once again on the military convoy and worrying reports of an attack in Zambezia Province near Murothoni. Reports of gunfire near the town of Muxungue reportedly have people fleeing their homes

16/06/14 - At least 5 injured on a passenger bus travelling between Beira and Maputo this morning in the dangerous Rio Save area in one of at least two attacks on the column today. The rest of the country remains peaceful for travellers but this small length of 100km of the EN1 should be avoided

14/06/14 - More attacks on the Muxungue - Rio Save strip as concerns of war spreading increase after yesterday's attacks in Tete

13/06/14 - Armed bandits, believed to be aligned with Renamo, looted and vandalized a weighbidge in Moatize, Tete, leaving one vehicle torched. This is the first instance of confrontations this year far from either Muxungue or Gorongosa

10/06/14 - First attacks on the column since Saturday amid reports of strikes amongst other unrest amongst drivers waiting for the military convoy

08/06/14 - More attacks yesterday (Saturday) on the military convoy with reports of military using civilians as "human shields" as Renamo insist they are only attacking military targets

05/06/14 - Three attacks in three days on the EN1 between Rio Save and Muxungue. Only essential travel between these two points is now advised. 

04/06/14 - As Renamo threatens to "divide the country in half" the tense political situation continues. Elections are just four months away

03/06/14 - Two more attacks on the military column between Muxungue and Rio Save this morning with different media sources reporting different numbers of military deaths, and civilians injured. 

02/06/14 - Cease fire over. Renamo attacks the Muxungue / Rio Save convoy once again and declares the cease fire they themselves declared a little less than a month ago over after continuing attacks from the government's forces

31/05/14 - Sabre-rattling continues between the government and Renamo whilst peace persists in essentially the whole country other than the volatile Gorongosa area

29/05/14 - Fighting continues around Gorongosa with more deaths reported today and the government insists that the troops in that area are there to "protect" the opposition leader who is still hiding in the bush

24/05/14 - The fighting in Zambezia proved to be a once-off and calm has returned countrywide including assurance of safety on the Rio Save - Muxungue strip

18/05/14 - Clarification is still being sought on the peace process after last week's unexpected fighting in Zambezia

15/05/14 - Fighting took place between Renamo and FDM near Mocuba in Zambezia after the military attacked this Renamo base

12/05/14 - After last weekends attacks peace is for now seemingly restored after voter registration ended last week

09/05/14 - Renamo's leader Dhlakama finally registers to vote meaning that he can run for President in this year's elections

08/05/14 - Renamo announces a cease fire and assures they will no longer attack the column in Muxungue as long as they are not provoked

06/05/14 - Another attack on the Muxungue column today has resulted in numerous military deaths and the suspension of the convoy. A crater was blown in the road before the attack

03/05/14 - After relative peace for over three months Renamo followed through on their promise of more violence attacking the Rio Save / Muxungue column on Mozambique's main highway the EN1 today

02/05/14 - Talks continue between the government and Renamo as peace for civilians and visitors continues

25/04/14 - A military column still runs between Rio Save and Muxungue despite it now three months since the last civilian attack

15/04/14 - Very strong demands by Renamo are complicating talks including one of Renamo's demands being that they choose the head of the military 

14/04/14 - For civilians and visitors life has returned to normal however fighting still continues in rural areas around Gorongosa

01/04/14 - Men believed to be linked with Renamo attacked a train carrying coal from Tete to Beira belonging to Mozambican giant Vale

31/03/14 - Reports of up to 30 guerrilla attacks over the weekend remind us that there is some way to go before real peace is attained

30/03/14 - Continuing stability is maintained and continuing talks between Mozambique's main political parties are progressing

26/03/14 - Populations up around Gorongosa are finally returning to their homes after six months of intensive fighting in that area - the first clear sign that the conflict is finally ending

25/03/14 - Today marks two months since any attack on any civil targets or the important Muxungue - Rio Save military column.

24/03/14 - Calm remains for civilians and tourists countrywide despite continuing military fighting up around Gorongosa and Inhaminga

18/03/14 - Renamo spokesperson predicts the cease-fire between Renamo and Frelimo will begin at the start of April

07/03/14 - There have been rumours over the last week of attacks on the Muxungue convoy but not a single media source confirms this

25/02/14 - Today marks one month since the last civilian attack. With now over four weeks since the last attack on the Muxungue / Save River column common sentiment is that the trouble is over for now. The situation will remain delicate politically until the elections in October but the trouble that crippled the tourism industry in late 2014 appears over for now

21/02/14 - Concessions agreed upon during meetings with Renamo and Frelimo were passed by Mozambican Government today

14/02/14 - Yesterday marked a very important day in talks between Frelimo and Renamo being the first with the presence of five national mediators. Mediators were chosen by both parties

12/02/14 - Stability continues over two consecutive long weekends as the bi-election took place in Gurue with MDM winning another bi-election

10/02/14 - Very positive news to come out of government talks today confirm that both parties have come to an agreement upon the composition of the CNE (National Elections Committee), one of Renamo's main sticking points

09/02/14 - Concerning reports that the FADM are still bombing Mount Gorongosa with heavy artillery despite the positive talks that began two weeks ago

31/01/14 - Continuing positive talks between Frelimo and Renamo provide further hope that the conflict can soon be over. The important request by Renamo that the electoral registration (that begin earlier this week) be extended by two weeks was instantly accepted demonstrating that the government is serious about encouraging Renamo to participate in October's Presidential elections.

29/01/14 - In very positive news Frelimo and Renamo have recommenced to talks after two months of stalemate with the important presence of mediators/observers. Also, a Renamo member in Quelimane announced that they would be running in the Presidential elections in October of this year. (Roads that were cut by flood waters are now moving again however very slowly)

25/01/14 - The military column was attacked once more today making a second weekend running of attacks on this column. Complicating travel between the north and south is flood waters that have cut the EN1 at various places between Vilanculos and Inchope

22/01/14 - Increasing reports of Renamo troop buildups around the country, amongst the most concerning near Moatize in Tete

19/01/14 - Another attack on the column this morning and sadly more victims. One a FADM Major.

18/01/14 - The military column between Rio Save and Muxungue was attacked again this morning with two deaths and three wounded

16/01/4 - Sporadic attacks reported, one at a police station in Funhalouro, Inhambane (one Policeman was killed), and another on local shop owners also in Inhambane Province

15/01/14 - After two weeks without an attack the military column between Rio Save and Muxungue was hit today with two victims renowned football players returning from a game. Concerning reports, also, of Renamo build-ups in Niassa, Cabo Delgado, and even Matola in Maputo Province.

13/01/14 - Still no attacks on column since 1st of Jan but fighting has taken place in Homoine district, just outside Inhambane city - the southernmost area of fighting since the war began in October

06/01/14 - No attacks on the column since the first of Jan, but the build-up of Renamo troops near Inhambane city causing a lot of concern, including thousands of families abandoning their homes and fleeing to the city

04/01/14 - Concerning reports of a build up of Renamo soldiers in the district of Homoine (near the city of Inhambane) - the first indication of the war heading further south

01/01/14 - A second morning of attacks on the military column was reported welcoming us into 2014. No casualties were reported

31/12/13 - After weeks of relative calm in the centre of the country the military column was again attacked today. Fighting between government and Renamo troops is still continuing near Gorongosa

17/12/13 - Another attack today on the military column between Rio Save and Muxungue

15/12/13 - More attacks on the military column and more victims. At least one civilian victim this morning along with a number of military deaths.

12/12/13 - More fighting took place around the Muxungue area with more military wounded

11/12/13 - There was more serious fighting around Satunjira with reports that the government was trying to take back the base that Renamo retook earlier this week. Renamo retaking this area is a very serious development proving that the opposition has more potential than previously expected

10/12/13 - The convoy was attacked once again today at around midday once again in the dangerous Muxungue area. Military vehicles providing protection were hit

09/12/13 - An LTM bus travelling between Beira and Maputo was attacked today with three seriously wounded. THe bus was riddled with bullets whilst travelling between the dangerous Save River/Muxungue section

05/12/13 - Once again the military convoy was attacked this morning and suspended for the evening due to the dangers with attacks continuing at trenches that have been made in the highway

04/12/13 - Three days of relative quiet despite a win for the opposition party in the municipal election in "the capital of the north" Nampula. Today a Police Station, health post, and the house of the Administrator, were vandalised by armed men in Nhamatanda, near Beira

01/12/13 - A civilian was gravely injured in another attack on the military column this time near Ripembe River. The attack happened at another location where the highway the highway was interrupted by a trench.

30/12/13 - Three days of quiet in the dangerous Muxungue area is broken by another military column being attacked. No reports of civilian injuries but a civilian bus was riddled with bullets. The city of Beira back to relative normalcy. 

27/11/13 - Riots in Beira, and a shooting near Muxungue highlighted that things are still not back to normal in Central Mozambique. Riots were provoked by disputed reports of forced army recruitment. The shooting near Muxungue was of a local teacher who was waiting for transport in the dangerous Rio Save - Muxungue strip.

26/11/13 - A bus travelling from Beira to Maputo was attacked in the military column near Muzungue. There were a few reported injured but no fatalities

One of the trenches dug into the EN1 near Muxungue

21/11/13 - There was an attack on a commercial vehicle near the town of Maringue. Two youths, sons of the driver, were killed in the attack on this civilian vehicle.

20/11/13 - After five relatively quiet days there was an attack at the Pungue Bridge. Renamo attacked that FADM vehicle at this bridge while commercial vehicles were not attacked. (Thanks to Nick at Exec Logistics)

Election Day - In summary very calm and organised however a number of reported incidences of violence and fraud.

16/11/13 - A political rally in Beira turned ugly with a few fatalities, and many injured. The government insists that the special forces only shot upon the crowd when they attacked government cars, whilst the opposition (MDM) maintain that it was a peaceful rally that turned into a stampede when special forces started firing live ammunition and tear gas.

The large trench cut into the EN1 is still causing concern as it requires a small detour and armed men are still in that area

15/11/13 - In the first reported attack in four days military were attacked on the dangerous Rio Save to Muxungue section of the EN1. Two men were killled (1 of FADM and the other Renamo) and nine more injured when they had stopped at a huge trench cut into the highway. Transit is currently cut off. Another attack was registered in Nampula Provinve on the highway that links Nampula with Cuamba. The driver is in critical condition. Authorities afirm that the civilian truck was attacked with the objective of stealing its load (food supplies)

11/11/13 - Gorongosa National Park staff attacked in Park vehicle near Gorongosa, none wounded. FADM forces attacked near Maringue, 4 wounded, 1 fatality. Near Nampula men dressed in Renamo fatigues sacked a business a set fire to building and car.

10/11/13 - Fighting registered between FADM and opposition near town of Gorongosa. Numerous wounded military reported.

09/11/13 - Passenger Bus attacked near Muxungué despite protection from military column. Three passengers wounded by bullets.

07/11/13 - FADM attack house of Village Chief Mangune (Dhlakama's father) near Province of Manica

06/11/13 - At least 8 FADM military killed in fighting around Vunduzi. A Health Post was attacked by men in Renamo uniforms and all health supplies stolen

05/11/13 - Military column attacked again between Rio Save and Muzungue. One civilian killed, and three wounded, including one pregnant woman. More fighting between Renamo and FADM near Maringue - unconfirmed how many casualities. Fighting also reported near Vunduzi with reports of truckloads of casualities being transported to local hospital.

04/11/13 - Military column attacked again between Rio Save and Muxungue. One of the victims was a Jeep that escaped into the bush before rejoining the column. At least two civilians wounded. In the only attack reported so far in the Province of Zambézia. The Renamo position was being attacked by heavy artillery.

03/11/13 - Military column attacked again between Rio Save and Muxungue, no reports of injuries. Further north at River Pungue two vehicles were attacked. There were no reports of injuries but one of the vehicles was torched. 

01/11/13 - Military column attacked again between Rio Save and Muzungue, wounded taken to hospital in Vilanculos. Anglo-Australian company recommends family members of workers temporarily return to their countries until situation stabilises.

* Information from this page is sourced from: STV and @Verdade