Economist Podcasts The smell of gas: insurgency in Mozambique
Mar 29, 2021
John McDermott, The Economist's chief Africa correspondent, sheds light on the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province, where an insurgency fueled by socio-economic factors is wreaking havoc. He discusses the government's struggles to control the situation amid a vital natural-gas project. The conversation also touches on the tense atmosphere in Minneapolis related to the trial of a police officer charged in George Floyd's death, exploring themes of accountability and societal healing.
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Cabo Delgado's Vulnerability
- Cabo Delgado, in Mozambique, is geographically isolated and economically marginalized.
- This makes it vulnerable to insurgency, as its resources are exploited without benefiting the local population.
Insurgency's Nature
- The insurgents in Cabo Delgado blend local grievances with international jihadism.
- They exploit economic hardship and religious differences while leveraging the ISIS brand for recruitment.
Impact of US Designation
- America's designation of the insurgents as an ISIS arm has limited impact unless directly engaging with them.
- It reflects growing global concern and willingness to offer support to the Mozambican government.