A group of approximately 30 insurgents entered the village of Calugo in Mocímboa da Praia district on Wednesday morning, apparently with the unusual intention of trading peacefully.
The insurgents arrived in Calugo armed with guns at around 5am and stayed until 12pm, a local source told Zitamar. They told residents not to fear them and that they were only there to purchase mobile phones and food, but warned them not to inform the security forces of their presence.
One source claimed the insurgents were speaking Kimwani, a local language largely limited to the coast of Palma, Mocímboa da Praia, Macomia and Quissanga, suggesting they were from the local area. On 24 November, insurgents stopped a car outside Calugo and told the occupants in Kimwani that they had not abandoned Mocímboa da Praia.
Despite the insurgents’ reassurances, many in Calugo fled to Mocímboa da Praia town 30km north. After buying their goods, the insurgents reportedly directed the remaining residents to clean up the village.
