Got an email overnight saying a hunting camp in northern Moz, bordering the Niassa Reserve, near Tanzania. Was sacked and burned by rebels yesterday, no hunters were in camp. I’m sure more details will come out.

Frikkin idiots destroying one of the few providers of employment and progress.

JCHB

Folks,

I understand that it was the kambako camp L8 and hostages were taken. Not good!

Mark

Mark, I heard about the same, really not good for other outfits in the north.

Scary stuff! I hunted the western side of Niassa last September and was shocked to see this headline. I hope they get everyone back safely!

https://clubofmozambique.com/n...-reserve-aim-280973/


Mozambique: Terrorists attack hunting area in Niassa reserve – AIM

4:45 CAT | 25 Apr 20250 Comments Print Share
Niassa.aim_


A group of Islamist terrorists have invaded the Kambako hunting ground, in the Niassa reserve, on the border of the northern provinces of Niassa and Cabo Delgado, and taken an unspecified number of people hostage.

Kambako is one of the hunting areas in the Niassa Special Reserve, but territorially it is located in Cabo Delgado, not far from the districts of Meluco, Montepuez and Mueda.

The attack, believed to be the work of the same terrorists who have been operating in several of the districts of Cabo Delgado, took place on 19 April. The camp is on the border between the two provinces, along the Lugenda River, a major tributary of the Rovuma.

According to sources cited in Thursday’s issue of the independent newsheet “Carta de Moçambique”, it is not yet known who the hostages are.

The Niassa Special Reserve contains six hunting blocks managed by private companies. Kambako is one of the largest hunting operators in Mozambique. There are fears in the industry that this incursion will eventually lead to the cancellation of game tourists’ bookings not only for the hunting blocks in Niassa, but also for other hunting areas in Mozambique, which would be a disaster for the businesses and for their employees.

The sector has been growing since the Covid-19 pandemic. According to “Carta de Mocambique”, as well as generating much-needed tax revenue, the hunting industry, which has a turnover of more than ten million dollars a year, also provides private sector security for the Niassa reserve.

Illegal hunters trying to reach the reserve to poach its rich wildlife must first pass through the hunting blocks and the security guards that surround them.

Responding to the attack, members of the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) were deployed to Kambako on Tuesday.

Source: AIM

https://mz.usembassy.gov/terro...bique-april-23-2025/

Terrorist Attack – U.S. Embassy Maputo, Mozambique (April 23, 2025)
By U.S. Embassy Maputo
5 MINUTE READ
April 23, 2025

Event: The U.S. government has received information that terrorists attacked villages on the edge of the Niassa Special Reserve near Nairoto, before entering the reserve and taking hostages at a private hunting lodge. Mozambican security forces are engaged. Stay alert for increased violence on the southeastern and eastern borders of the Niassa Special Reserve. The U.S. Embassy in Mozambique continues to monitor the situation and remains committed to working with the Government of Mozambique to counter violent extremism.

Location: Niassa Special Reserve on the borders of Niassa and Cabo Delgado Provinces

Actions to Take:

Reconsider travel to the Niassa Special Reserve and surrounding villages and hunting properties.
Review personal security plans.
Monitor local media for updates on changing conditions.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program STEP to receive security updates. 
Assistance:  

U.S. Embassy Maputo, Mozambique
(+258) 85-591-1911 or (+258) 84-095-8000
MaputoUSCitizens@state.gov
https://mz.usembassy.gov/  
State Department – Consular Affairs +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)   to receive security updates.
Follow us on Facebook   and X/Twitter  .
Alerts

https://cartamz.com/politica/4...-mantem-nove-refens/


April 24, 2025
Insurgents seize hunting ground in Niassa Special Reserve, loot and hold nine hostages
Written by Carta de Moçambique

A few days ago, a group of insurgents operating in Cabo Delgado took control of the Kambako hunting reserve (block B), in the Niassa reserve, more specifically a camp located on the border between the two provinces, along the Lugenda River, a large tributary of the Rovuma.

According to credible sources from “Carta”, the insurgents entered the hunting ground on the 19th and, since then, have taken people hostage (it is not yet known who the hostages are, whether they are locals or workers at the hunting ground). “Carta” knows that part of the hunting ground staff was evacuated.

Kambako is one of the hunting grounds of the Niassa Special Reserve, but territorially it is located in Cabo Delgado, not far from the Meluco, Montepuez and Mueda axis.


According to the publication “Zitamar”, the Niassa Special Reserve, lions and elephants, with six hunting blocks (large tracts of land managed by private companies) receive wealthy tourists, mainly from the United States and the Middle East (including some members of the Saudi royal family) who come to go on safaris, hunt animals such as leopards, buffalo and antelopes and live among the wildlife.

“The sector has been growing since the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to generating much-needed US dollars and tax revenue, the $10 million-a-year hunting industry also provides private sector security for the Niassa reserve. Poachers trying to reach the reserve must first pass through hunting blocks and the security guards that surround them.”

Kambako is one of the three largest hunting operators in Mozambique. There are fears in the industry that this incursion could result in the cancellation of hunting tourists’ reservations not only for hunting blocks in Niassa, but also for other hunting areas in Mozambique, such as the provinces of Tete and Sofala, which would be a disaster for the business owners and, potentially, for their employees as well.

Meanwhile, Zumbo FM reported the day before yesterday that the Mozambique Armed Defense Forces were already on the trail of the insurgents who entered Kambako.

About an hour ago I received an email from SCI regarding this event. They have been in contact with the operator and NO one was taken hostage or injured during the looting and burning according to the SCI news release.

CHAPUNGU-KAMBAKO
SAFARIS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 26 APRIL 2025

Two Decades of Conservation & Community Development Tested by Targeted Criminal Activity

Cabo Delgado Province, Niassa Special Reserve, Mozambique


At the end of 2004, a group of dedicated conservation-minded investors set out on an ambitious mission: to transform a remote stretch of wilderness in northern Mozambique into a conservation hunting concession. Over two decades later, that dream has grown into one of Mozambique’s leading safari operations — Kambako Safaris — a model for sustainable conservation and community development.

Kambako originally operated the area alone. In 2015, Chapungu joined forces with Kambako, officially forming the umbrella marketing & safari company Chapungu-Kambako Safaris. Since then, the operation has grown in both scope and impact. Today, the daily operations are run by long-standing partners & dear friends Jacques Hartzenberg and Jumbo Moore, who have dedicated themselves to managing several of Africa’s premier conservation hunting destinations.

Working closely with the national conservation authority (ANAC), Kambako Safaris has spent the last 20 years restoring and managing vast wilderness concessions. Through careful wildlife monitoring, sustainable hunting practices, and continual reinvestment, the company has turned this remote landscape into one of Africa’s most sought-after destinations for conservation hunting.

The work has been exhaustive and often daunting. From constructing three remote luxury safari camps, building over 1,000 miles of roads, sinking nine wells, installing critical communication infrastructure, and carving four airstrips from the dense Miombo woodland — every effort has been grounded in commitment to conservation and community.

Kambako has been a lifeline for surrounding communities, employing over 120 villagers per year and providing food, building materials, and support to combat human-wildlife conflict. Thousands of kilograms of clean, processed meat from legally harvested game have been distributed annually to nearby villages, forming a vital nutritional and economic bridge.

Last season alone, direct economic benefits to surrounding communities totalled MZN 25,390,775.20 (approximately US$403,028). This includes wages, brick-making, road construction, bamboo supply, and other community-focused services. In terms of food support, 15,932.5 kg (35,115 lbs) of fresh meat were delivered to local villages and an additional 15,000 lbs of dried meat distributed to staff and their families.

But on Saturday, tragedy struck.

Chapungu-Kambako's main safari camp along the Lugenda River was targeted and looted by criminals. What wasn’t stolen — including fuel, food stores, protective clothing, and vehicles — was deliberately destroyed in a fire that razed the entire camp to the ground.

“In preparation for season, the camp had recently been stocked with the season's full supply of food and drink rations, as well as protective clothing, boots, hats, bedding, and staff uniforms,” said founding partner, Jumbo Moore. “All diesel and petrol tanks were full, including aviation fuel, and we had just received crucial equipment: vehicle, truck and tractor tyres and spares, first shipment of solar and inverter systems, new two-way radios, water pumps — everything needed to support a season of remote operations. The bandits would have seen our trucks passing through various villages on the way in over several days and devised a plan to obtain these valuable supplies.”

“We’re still in shock,” he added. “It’s devastating to see 20 years of hard work and commitment to conservation and community wiped out in a single day. But this will not be the end of Kambako.”
The incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by conservation operators in remote areas — not just from nature, but from opportunistic criminal activity. Despite the setback, the team behind Kambako remains resolute.

“We’ve overcome many challenges before, and we’ll rebuild again,” Moore added. “Our mission to protect this land, its wildlife, and to uplift the people who live here is far from over.”

Clients booked to hunt from the Kambako main camp this season are being contacted directly. Alternative arrangements are being made at other camps within the operator’s portfolio across Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

“We just ask for your patience,” Moore continued. “We will assess, regroup, and move forward.”

For updates and alternative safari options, clients and supporters are encouraged to contact Jumbo on jumbo@kambakosafaris.com .

Half of humanity is evil garbage. Here's hoping they catch and skin every one of the criminals alive.

So, was this (1) a terrorist attack or (2) just a regular criminal gang of thieves or (3) a theft to help finance terrorist activity?

It would seem that the current narrative diverges from some of the intel info available: "The attacks in March 2025 are part of a broader insurgency in Cabo Delgado province, where militants have been targeting civilians, local security forces, and foreign workers since 2017."

quote:

Originally posted by GunsCore:
So, was this (1) a terrorist attack or (2) just a regular criminal gang of thieves or (3) a theft to help finance terrorist activity?

They seem to be too well organized to qualify into your groups (2) and (3).
In all likelihood they are one of the many Al Shabaab splinter groups that are showing signs of activity along the East African coast; several months ago they were creating havoc in several villages on the Tanzania side of the border not far from the Ruvuma River.
The Tanzanian military did the needful and sent them packing back to Moz and are probably the same bunch doing their dirty work unhindered.

Hopefully the Mozambican Armed Forces will sort out every person involved & send a message to others.

This is a place I would very much like to hunt.

https://clubofmozambique.com/n...p-aim-report-281059/

Mozambique: Terrorists behead two and burn down luxury camp – AIM report

11:25 CAT | 28 Apr 2025
Niassa.aim_

The group of Islamist terrorists which invaded the Kambako hunting area, in the Niassa Special Reserve, on the border between the northern Mozambican provinces of Niassa and Cabo Delgado, beheaded two people, burnt down a luxury camp and looted foodstuffs.

The attack, according to Monday’s issue of the independent newssheet “Carta de Moçambique”, which took place on 19 April, was carried out by a group of 40 terrorists. The two people murdered were workers of the camp, who were shot and beheaded.

“After capturing four workers, the insurgents demanded a ransom of three million meticais for the release of their victims, but this was rejected due to global rules against financing terrorism. After the rejection, the terrorists set fire to the main camp”, says the paper.

In a statement, Kambako Safaris, the company responsible for the management of the hunting ground, the attack – in which the terrorists also seized vehicles, destroyed an aircraft and stole weapons and uniforms from a unit of the Mozambican riot police (UIR) – has had a serious impact on the community, since the company employs 120 local residents every year.

“Kambako Safaris’ main camp, along the Lugenda River, was attacked by opportunistic bandits. What wasn’t stolen – including fuel, food stores, protective clothing and vehicles – was deliberately destroyed in a fire that razed the entire camp to the ground”, reads the note.

The document also says that the terrorists destroyed foodstuffs which had been supplied as part of the preparations for the upcoming hunting season.

“The site was recently stocked with food and drink, as well as protective clothing, boots, hats, beds and uniforms for the workers. All the fuel tanks were full of diesel, including for aircraft, and the company had just received essential equipment for its operations, including vehicles, wheels and spare parts for lorries and tractors, solar and inverter systems, radios and water pipes”, said Jumbo Moore, a founding partner of Kambako Safaris, cited in the document.

“The bandits must have seen our lorries passing through several villages over several days and devised a plan to obtain these valuable goods”, he added.

The Niassa Special Reserve contains six hunting blocks managed by private companies. Kambako is one of the largest hunting operators in Mozambique. There are fears in the industry that this incursion will eventually lead to the cancellation of game tourists’ bookings not only for the hunting blocks in Niassa, but also for other hunting areas in Mozambique, which would be a disaster for the businesses and for their employees.

Source: AIM

This is terrible news. I've hunted along with another AR member 2 times out of this very camp. It was a massive undertaking getting that camp set up in such a remote area. Quite possibly one of the finest wildest hunting areas left in all Africa.

Other than those killed the hostages and their families this will hurt the locals and the wildlife the most. Poachers will have free rein. It will take decades decades to recover if it ever does. Prayers for all affected.

Damn. I wanted to hunt there in a few years. I've been following events in Moz closely, and the islamic extremists seem to have secured a foothold in the country. Since Moz security forces have been unsucessful at eliminating the terrorists before, I have little confidence now.

I have also been looking at a hunt there but now? The question is, do we do the right thing and support those outfitters in getting that area back on its feet to preserve the wildlife or do we chicken out and abandon yet another great hunting area?
Personally, I'm a hypocrite and a coward so I will book my hunt further south. Any suggestions for a good area for Suni, Red Duiker and Hartebeest?

Unfortunately it looks like the Moz forces along with the coalition of African nations Probably French forces etc have done reasonable work protecting the LNG project in the north (Palma?). Saw that the unit that hit Kambako was 40 fighters. Unfortunately it looks like they may have relocated do to the pressure further north both in Moz and across the border in Tanzania. Quieter resource rich area in Niassa. Definitely not good for those of us who were planning on being there at the end of July. Pretty difficult to put a good spin on this.

quote:

Personally, I'm a hypocrite and a coward so I will book my hunt further south. Any suggestions for a good area for Suni, Red Duiker and Hartebeest?

I’ve hunted in Coutada 11 with ZDS twice in the past 4 years, it is a great area for Livingston Suni and Red Duiker. I shot one of each two years ago that would be top 10 SCI, Suni possibly #2, but I’m not awards driven. Will be there again early July with my wife and youngest son, 3 Buffalo for me, one buff (first) and plains game for my son. Not really concerned about security.

We have an area in Coutada 9 (Moz), (South of the Zambezi) and can accomadate everything you are after plus a few extras. If you are keen send me an email or PM and I'll get quote off to you!!

quote:

Originally posted by the Pom:
I have also been looking at a hunt there but now? The question is, do we do the right thing and support those outfitters in getting that area back on its feet to preserve the wildlife or do we chicken out and abandon yet another great hunting area?
Personally, I'm a hypocrite and a coward so I will book my hunt further south. Any suggestions for a good area for Suni, Red Duiker and Hartebeest?

https://thedefensepost.com/202...northern-mozambique/


Two Killed in Jihadist Attack in Northern Mozambique

Photo of Staff Writer With AFP Staff Writer With AFP Follow on XMay 6, 2025 1 minute read
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An attack claimed by jihadists linked to the Islamic State group in a remote tourist town in northern Mozambique has killed at least two rangers, a local conservation group said.

The gas-rich area has been plagued for years by jihadist violence that has killed thousands of people, uprooted over a million from their homes and forced the suspension of a giant gas exploration project by TotalEnergies.

The attack on April 29 at a nature reserve claimed the lives of two anti-poaching scouts, the Niassa Carnivore Project (NCP) said at the weekend.

Niassa, a province neighboring insurgency hotbed Cabo Delgado, is isolated and information takes days to trickle in.

“Over the past three days, our team has worked tirelessly to find and support affected staff and community members,” NCP said in a statement, after more than 2,000 people fled to safety into the bush.

At least two other rangers were still unaccounted for and one was “severely” wounded, said NCP, which promotes the coexistence of people with lions.

Last week’s attack in Niassa comes after a nearly three-year lull.

It followed another on April 19 when the jihadists attacked a nearby hunting safari camp, NCP said, prompting the NGO’s “team and assets” to be evacuated.

The group remained active in districts in Cabo Delgado from where they launched attacks, according to conflict tracker organization ACLED.

At least 6,000 people, including 2,500 civilians, have been killed in northern Mozambique since 2017 due to insurgency in the region, stalling the exploitation of vast offshore gas deposits discovered in 2010.

More than 1.3 million have been displaced by the conflict, according to the UN humanitarian agency OCHA.

In a major incident in 2021, the IS-linked militants attacked the port town of Palma in an attack that lasted several days, sending thousands of people fleeing into the surrounding forest.

https://www.citizen.co.za/netw...-on-community-owner/



Isis-attack on SA-owned hunting camp: ‘Catastrophic impact on community’ – owner

Staff of the Kambako hunting camp in Mozambique are traumatised after an attack by insurgents. Now their livelihood is in danger if safaris don’t continue due to violence in the area.

May 5, 2025 Andrea van Wyk 2 minutes read

A recent attack by Isis fighters on a luxury hunting camp in northern Mozambique has had a ‘catastrophic’ impact on the local community.

This is according to Jacques Hartzenberg, the owner of South African company Chapungu Safaris Africa, which owns the Kambako hunting camp. The camp was destroyed and, tragically, two of the four workers who were captured were beheaded.

The attackers stole fuel, food, clothing and vehicles. What wasn’t stolen was destroyed in a fire that demolished the camp. Kambako is situated in the Niassa Special Reserve, which is divided into six hunting blocks, each overseen by private companies. Kambako is regarded as one of the biggest hunting operators in Mozambique.



Hartzenberg told Caxton Network News that the attack happened on April 19, at about 17:00. He was not at the camp at the time.

They initially thought the attackers were opportunistic looters.

“Afterwards, we were made aware that insurgents had entered the Kambako camp. Staff ran away in different directions, so, as management, we did not know if any or how many of them were being held captive.”

He says the insurgents only left the camp in the early hours of April 24.

“At that stage, we were still unaware of who was being held captive. We found out about the two bodies in camp when the media published photos that the military had taken on April 27.”

Hartzenberg says it was the first time Kambako had been targeted in such an attack.



Communities impacted

When asked about the impact on Kambako and the Niassa Reserve, he answered that it was catastrophic.

“We employ 120 people. The communities financially benefit directly from the safaris that we conduct. Approximately 80% of all the meat from the animals harvested is delivered to the communities.”

According to a statement released by Chapungu, last season alone, the direct economic benefits to surrounding communities totalled around MZN 25.4m (about R7m).

“This includes wages, brickmaking, road construction, bamboo supply and other community-focused services. In terms of food support, 15 900kg of fresh meat was delivered to local villages. An additional 15 000lbs (about 6 800kg) of dried meat was distributed to staff and their families.”

According to Hartzenberg, the staff who were present during the attack are traumatised and afraid to return to work, although they are still supportive of the company.

He added that all the hunting operators in the Niassa Reserve do a lot for their employees and communities.

“We are concerned that without government intervention and protection, the safari season will not happen, causing hardship in the communities due to a lack of income.”

On April 30, an image was released on social media by Amaq News Agency, affiliated with Isis, claiming the attacks were carried out by fighters of the Islamic State.


Ongoing attacks

Beheadings and other atrocities by extremists are not new in the northern Cabo Delgado province. In September 2024, the Club of Mozambique reported that a man was beheaded in the Palma district. In the same month, Agência de Informação de Moçambique reported that jihadist groups claiming affiliation to the Isis terrorist network said it had murdered 70 people in 27 attacks against what it described as ‘Christian towns’ in the Chiùre district.

On April 11, Club of Mozambique reported that the government of the country was aware that attacks by extremist groups were continuing in the province, but ‘assured that the situation is under control and safe’.

This was just released by SCI-

Terrorist Group Claims Credit for Attacks on Multiple Camps in Niassa Reserve


A faction of the terrorist group ISIS has claimed credit online for several recent attacks on camps in Northern Mozambique’s Niassa Reserve, causing the US State Department to issue a Level 4 Do Not Travel Alert for specific districts of Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces. The rest of Mozambique remains on a Level 3 Alert to Reconsider Travel.

SCI confirmed the attack took place April 29 at the headquarters of the Niassa Carnivore Project (NCP) and their Mariri Environmental and Skills Training Center in the southeastern section of the Niassa Special Reserve. In a press release, NCP Director Dr. Colleen Begg confirmed two NCP antipoaching scouts were killed. Another was severely injured but was evacuated to a hospital in Maputo and is now stable. Two scouts remain unaccounted for.

Residents of the nearby village Mbamba also fled into the bush for safety. Begg said the NCP team spent several days searching for staff and community members hiding in the wilderness and taking them to the district capital, Mecula.

In April, SCI reported the destruction of the Kambo Safaris camp in the Reserve by a group of armed insurgents, with later reports about the deaths of two staff members. The incident triggered a Security Alert from the US State Department warning travelers of terrorist activity. It was not until April 30, that ISIS Mozambique took credit for the attacks in a social media post by Amaq News Agency, which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the US State Department.

Amaq is often the first venue to publicize claims of responsibility for terrorist attacks conducted by the Islamic State. According to media outlet CAXTON Network News, a loose translation of text published with the image says, “The fighters of the Islamic State attacked and burned a tourist site belonging to the Christians and killed six soldiers from the Mozambican army in Niassa Province, Northern Mozambique.â€

The Level 4 Travel Alert from the US State Department states, “Terrorists continue to conduct and plot attacks on government forces, villages, and key supply routes in the districts of Ancuabe, Chuire, Ibo, Macombia, Meluco, Metuge, Mocimboa da Praia, Mueda, Muidame, Nangade, Palma and Quissanga in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, and the bordering districts of Memba and Erati in Nampula Province.

According to Begg, the ANAC warden of Niassa Special Reserve is coordinating efforts to increase safety in Niassa and is working with conservation partners on the ground. SCI will continue following developments here and reporting to members as we confirm information.

SCI expresses its deepest sympathies for the families and coworkers of those who lost their lives in these senseless acts. SCI members with hunts booked in Mozambique and with concerns over security are again encouraged to speak with their safari operators about security in their areas and to orient themselves on the locations of their hunting camp and its distance from the affected regions in northern Mozambique before changing any plans. Hunters should also review their travel insurance policies and consider security evacuation insurance. US citizens should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Other members should check their country’s state department equivalent for travel alerts and travel programs.

For more information and assistance contact SCI’s Hunter Information Service at HunterHotline@safariclub.org.

On our recent cruise Around Africa from Barcelona to Seychelles Islands and back, we visited Isle de Mocambique, but NOT Beira, which we have visited previously on cruises. We did NOT visit Mombasa, Kenya either. Cruise lines are VERY CAREFUL about cruise port selections and potential risks. Clearly, there are hot spots in Africa today. We visited generously in West Africa this time, but they avoided Cameroon, which we had visited previously. Interesting time... we have to keep our eyes open these days!!

And the antihunting crowd is applauding

Two people were brutally murdered, and this anti-hunter says, "Some reprieve for the animals!"

What worthless excuse for a human being would say such a thing?!

https://moztimes.com/en/blog/i...northern-mozambique/

Insurgents Kill Rwandan Soldiers, Escalating Terror Threat in Northern Mozambique

moztimes by moztimes May 6, 2025 in Terrorism Reading Time: 2 mins read


– Attacks are targeting more complex sites, showing increased jihadist boldness

By MOZTIMES

Pemba (MOZTIMES) – Insurgent activity in northern Mozambique has intensified, with two attacks recorded in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Niassa, targeting the Rwandan Defence Forces and a South African-funded tourism investment.

In the most recent incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 3 May, three soldiers from the Rwandan Defence Forces were killed and nine others injured during a clash with insurgents in the village of Ntotwe, Mocímboa da Praia district, Cabo Delgado province.

The attack was claimed by the Islamic State through its propaganda channels, which also released rare images of the bodies of Rwandan soldiers killed in Cabo Delgado.

According to local sources, the attack began around 2 a.m. when a group of insurgents entered the village. The Rwandan forces stationed in the area attempted to respond, but were ambushed in a deadly surprise assault.

During the incursion, insurgents broke into several shops belonging to local small-scale traders, looting food supplies and other goods. In addition to the looting, they abducted a 14-year-old girl from the village, according to residents who spoke to district administrator Sérgio Cipriano during his visit to the site after the incident.

Local sources also reported that the insurgents seized two RPG-7 rocket launchers from the Rwandan forces during the clash.

A few days before the Cabo Delgado attack, a group of around 40 insurgents raided the hunting area of Kambako Safaris within the Niassa Special Reserve, near the Cabo Delgado border. The assault, which took place on 19 April, resulted in the deaths of two workers, who were reportedly shot and later decapitated. Four other lodge staff members were taken hostage, with the insurgents demanding a ransom of three million meticais – a demand that was refused by the camp’s management.

In response, the attackers set fire to the main camp, destroying facilities, vehicles, fuel, food supplies, and essential equipment for the upcoming hunting season.

The insurgents, who have been increasing the frequency of attacks in recent months across villages in Cabo Delgado, are now demonstrating greater boldness by targeting more complex sites – significantly raising the level of the terrorist threat in northern Mozambique. (MT)

https://clubofmozambique.com/n...hs-in-niassa-281864/


Prince William pays tribute to ‘immense sacrifices’ of rangers after deaths in Niassa
2:14 CAT | 08 May 20250


William, Prince of Wales, today lamented the terrorist attack that killed two rangers in Niassa province, Mozambique, in April, highlighting the “immense sacrifices” made by these professionals, whose work in Africa he has been supporting.

“This attack is yet another brutal reminder of the immense sacrifices made by those who protect our natural world. The reality is that being a ranger has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. My thoughts are with all those affected and their families,” Prince William wrote in a message posted on his official account on the social network X.



At least two rangers from Niassa Special Reserve in northern Mozambique died and two others are missing after attacks by alleged rebels in the protected area, it was announced on 05 May.

A press release by one of the managers of the Mariri sports hunting camp in the Niassa Special Reserve indicates that a ranger was also injured in the attacks.

Last November, in South Africa, the Prince of Wales presented a new initiative to support 10,000 rangers across Africa over the next five years and bolster their work in the defence of nature.

“Rangers are fundamental if we are to meet our global conservation targets for 2030 and prevent the dangerous tipping points that threaten our planet,” William argued, speaking at the opening of the United for Wildlife global summit in Cape Town.

“These people do far more than protect wildlife. They are educators. They are community supporters. And they help regulate the sustainable use of natural resources,” added the prince, whose foundation set up the global association that gives its name to the summit in 2013 to tackle the illegal wildlife trade.

Called the Ranger Welfare and Standards Initiative (RWSI), it was developed in conjunction with the African Rangers Association and the British non-governmental organisation, Tusk Trust.

The five-year programme will be rolled out across the continent, providing 10,000 rangers with “access to adequate and affordable medical and insurance coverage during their service, along with opportunities for training and leadership development”.



The Mariri sport hunting camp is in one of REN’s hunting reserves, comprising an area of 42,000 km of land in eight districts, some of which includes parts of Cabo Delgado, a northern region of Mozambique that has been facing an armed insurgency since 2017.
The Mariri camp was attacked on April 29, after a previous alleged attack in the same reserve on April 24.

The Niassa Carnivores Project said in the same statement that its team and some of its logistical resources had been removed from the camp following the two attacks.

“This episode represents a worrying expansion of the conflict that has been ravaging the north of the country, now affecting one of Mozambique’s most important conservation areas,” the same document said.



The Mozambican Association of Safari Operators (AMOS) also expressed concern about the attacks by armed men in REN, asking for “calm” from those who have already scheduled hunting activities.

AMOS reports that the insecurity affects only Niassa and Cabo Delgado, with conditions for hunting and tourism still obtaining in the rest of the country.

On April 25, after the first attack on the reserve, Mozambique’s minister of defence acknowledged the presence of terrorists in the Niassa Special Reserve.

Send in the French Foreign Legion as was done in Zaire in 1978.
The Legion paras brought order out of chaos and saved the remaining Belgian and other Europeans from a
worse fate at the hands of the rebels.
Islamic terrorists are allies of Hamas and other
terrorist groups, badly needing to be brought to justice.

https://clubofmozambique.com/n...a-anac-watch-283139/


Mozambique: ‘Clear indications’ terrorists have left Niassa – ANAC | Watch

12:03 CAT | 26 May 20250


The Mozambican authorities have said that there are “clear indications” that the armed groups that carried out the recent attacks in the Niassa Special Reserve, in the north of the country, have fled, despite acknowledging that a “challenging environment” still persists there.

“We still have a challenging environment, but we have clear indications that the insurgents are moving out of the reserve. This scenario brings a sign of hope and opens space for us to think about the future of the area after this period of tension,” said the director-general of the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), Pejulo Calenga, quoted by the press today.

The issue at hand is attacks in April in the Niassa Special Reserve (REN) by alleged rebels, which left two dead and two missing. The Islamic State however claims three deaths in an attack in that province through its propaganda channels.

According to the ANAC director, deaths were recorded during the attacks “both on the part of the inspection force and the Defence and Security Forces”, without specifying a number.

“This situation has negatively impacted the image of the Reserve and interrupted tourism activity, which is vital for the sustainability of conservation,” he said.

Calenga also explained that the situation in the reserve is monitored daily, “to ensure that, in the near future, we have the situation completely under control”.

Mozambican president Daniel Chapo admitted on Friday that the terrorists operating in Niassa reserve had been confronted by the armed forces and “disappeared” from the region.

“Our brothers [Defence and Security Forces] are on the ground repelling the terrorists in that region, and at this moment as we speak they have disappeared from the Niassa Reserve, with our forces still in pursuit,” President Chapo declared during the closing ceremony of a special operations course in the province.



The Mariri sport hunting camp, an area that covers eight districts and also includes the province of Cabo Delgado, was invaded by armed men on the afternoon of April 29, according to local reports. This was the second case of alleged terrorist activity in the REN, the first having been recorded on April 24.

On Monday, the Secretary of State for Land and Environment visited a REN ranger who was hospitalized in a health unit in Maputo, after being shot in the latest attack on the Niassa Special Reserve, and called on all rangers to show “readiness and fighting spirit” in protecting biodiversity.

In 2024 alone, at least 349 people died in attacks by Islamic extremist groups in Cabo Delgado – a Mozambican province that has been facing this insurgency since 2017 – an increase of 36% compared to the previous year, according to data recently released by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, an academic institution of the US Department of Defense that analyses conflicts in Africa.

Source: Lusa / STV

This is the reason our Circle Africa cruise DIDN'T stop in Biera, Mozambique as we had previously!! Really a great town.
We did stop at Isla de Mozamcambique, the original capitol, and now connected by bridge to mainland.
Mozi has a ruffled past!! I had a great hunt with SA-OUTFITTER Carl Martin's north of Lake Chorra Bossa on the Zambezi, Hippo and Croc, and excellent Tiger Fish fishing. Deepest, darkest Africa I have experienced, but most enjoyable.
It it owned be Richard Loveless now, don't know if he has hunted it recently??

quote:

Originally posted by 470EDDY:
This is the reason our Circle Africa cruise DIDN'T stop in Biera, Mozambique as we had previously!! Really a great town.
We did stop at Isla de Mozamcambique, the original capitol, and now connected by bridge to mainland.
Mozi has a ruffled past!! I had a great hunt with SA-OUTFITTER Carl Martin's north of Lake Chorra Bossa on the Zambezi, Hippo and Croc, and excellent Tiger Fish fishing. Deepest, darkest Africa I have experienced, but most enjoyable.
It it owned be Richard Loveless now, don't know if he has hunted it recently??

Russel Lovemore Safari Trails Mozambique is hunting there now as we speak, he has posted some offers here on AR