Escalating Violence in Mogovolas Linked to Chaotic Artisanal Mining Sector

The district of Mogovolas in Mozambique’s southern Nampula province is facing a surge in violent incidents tied to its rapidly growing yet disorderly artisanal mining industry.

Recent Attacks Highlight Growing Tensions

On May 19, approximately 300 artisanal miners launched violent attacks in the Iuluti administrative post, vandalizing 12 commercial stores and three vehicles – most owned by foreign nationals. The violence continued yesterday in Nametil, the district capital, where 14 armed men clashed with police during an attempted robbery targeting a Bengali agricultural trader.

Broader Pattern of Unrest Emerges

These incidents represent part of a larger wave of instability that has gripped Mogovolas since post-election protests first triggered attacks on infrastructure. The situation has been further exacerbated by misinformation about a cholera outbreak, leading to assaults on a local health center and facilities operated by Médecins Sans Frontières.

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This article summarizes an original report by Zitamar News. Full credit to the original source.