The growing strength of violent non-state groups is threatening mining industries across swathes of Africa. Mozambique is battling a resurgent Islamic State offshoot in its resource-rich Cabo Delgado province; at the height of the group’s operational strength between 2020-21 it forced the construction of Total’s LNG project, Africa’s largest foreign direct investment, to pause for over two years. Mozambique’s ruby industry – which constitutes over 80% of global supplies – was also often targeted or threatened by IS-Mozambique (IS-M) during this period.
The growing strength of violent non-state groups is threatening mining industries across swathes of Africa.
While there has been a reduction in militant violence since the Rwandan security mission arrived in Cabo Delgado over three years ago, rising levels of inequality and dissatisfaction with the uneven distribution of profits from natural resource extraction have allowed IS-M to maintain a foothold in northern Mozambique. Recent events have shown that discontent with the current status-quo is being felt nationwide by broad sectors of society. Indeed, following the announcement of Daniel Chapo – the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) candidate – as the victor of the 9 October presidential election, large protests have engulfed the capital and much of the country since 21 October.
Alleged irregularities with the vote have served as a spark that has ignited decades of building socio-economic discontent. The government and state security forces have cracked down harshly on the protestors, reportedly leaving hundreds of people dead. Aside from demonstrations, there have been significant internet and telecommunications blackouts, workers have gone on strike, and neighbours, South Africa, closed their side of the Lebombo border on a number of occasions. Last year, 53% of the chrome ore and concentrate exported by South Africa left via Maputo through this border crossing, meaning minerals and other supplies awaiting export have been stranded for weeks due to the unrest.
IS-M are likely to continue their attempts to establish a lasting presence in the Cabo Delgado province, potentially targeting those involved in the extraction of the region’s natural resources. However, should the new Frelimo government, which was sworn in on 15 January despite enduring protests, fail to capitalize on the country’s economic opportunities, it will likely continue to face serious opposition across society. Further large-scale unrest resulting from this could have significant repercussions for organizations present in the region. A number of mining operators were targeted or forced to shutter sites in recent months due to the protests, while others operating in neighbouring countries faced significant supply chain disruptions.
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