Good afternoon. Mozambican and Rwandan forces appear to have launched a major operation to retake the Catupa base in Macomia district. If confirmed, it would mark more than a tactical success. It would suggest the security forces are trying to regain the initiative in one of Cabo Delgado’s most contested areas.
The timing is important. During April and May, several insurgent groups moved through southern Cabo Delgado, underlining the continued ability of Islamic State Mozambique to disperse, raid and unsettle areas far beyond its main coastal zone of influence. Along the Macomia coast, meanwhile, Mozambique’s navy has been increasingly active, trying to disrupt maritime supply routes used by the insurgents.
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Since August 2024, government forces have been trying to re-establish control across Macomia district. While Rwandan detachments have helped consolidate government positions around Mucojo and Pangane, Catupa and Quiterajo have repeatedly changed hands, illustrating how contested the district remains.
