Good afternoon. Frelimo's national cadres conference opens today in Chimoio, where the ruling party will spend three days discussing the country's direction. Far to the north, on the Cabo Delgado coast, a quieter contest is going the other way. The state is losing its grip on the fishing communities, and the insurgents are moving in.
In March, a navy patrol opened fire on six fishing boats off Calugo, near Mocímboa da Praia, killing at least 13 young men. It was the deadliest in a run of such attacks. Since early 2024, the navy has targeted fishermen at least ten times, leaving at least 85 dead. The Calugo killing drew unusual attention, and the criticism appears to have registered.
The full Daily Briefing continues below for Pro subscribers. Subscribers to the Zitamar News tier can read the top half, including the full leader article, here.
Since then, Zitamar has not found another fatal attack by the navy on fishermen. That deserves notice, and it may reflect changed orders or more restraint. But no policy change has been announced, and fewer reported killings could equally mean less patrolling or thinner reporting. In May the navy itself seized two boats off Pangane and, sources say, demanded about $4,000 to return them. This week soldiers stand accused of beating fishermen.
