Militants Surrender in Mozambique

Mozambican authorities say close to 90 Islamist militants alongside their hostages have surrendered to the government over the past two months in Mocimboa da Praia in Cabo Delgado province.

Report says the province has grappled with a brutal jihadist insurgency that has created a massive humanitarian crisis in northern Mozambique.

Meanwhile, President Filipe Nyusi in September announced a pardon for all surrendering jihadists during a tour to the province.

Local administrator Sérgio Cipriano said the militants were well received and the process of reconciliation and reintegration was underway.

“We ask communities to welcome the repentant as brothers, forgive all wrongs done, leave the past and pick up a new page. They are children of Mocimboa da Praia who return to their homes, to their origins,” he said.

However, since 2017, militants have carried out abductions, beheadings, and the burning of homes in the province forcing hundreds of thousands to flee for their safety.

BBC/CO