Stars’ paradise isle in Mozambique overrun by ISIS-linked insurgents

Four Indian Ocean islands known for their unique wildlife and luxury resorts have been overrun by militants linked to ISIS.

Daniel Craig and Bono have stayed on Vamizi island.

Four Indian Ocean islands known for their unique wildlife and luxury resorts have been overrun by militants linked to Islamic State.

The insurgents ordered residents to abandon the islands, off the coast of Mozambique, before they set fire to homes and tourist accommodation, witnesses said. Images posted on social media showed burnt-out beachfront villas and safari vehicles on Vamizi, which has been visited by the likes of Daniel Craig, Bono and Prince Albert of Monaco on his honeymoon.

Islamist terrorists in destroyed Vamizi luxurious lodge and reduced to ashes as a result of recent attack in Palma. pic.twitter.com/uZwhwxReJ6

— Fidelis Zengeza Zvomuya (@Zvomuya) September 15, 2020

The capture of the islands last week comes a month after the occupation of the strategic port town of Mocimboa da Praia on the Mozambican mainland, close to the site of Africa’s biggest gas-drilling development. The jihadists told locals it would become their new capital, run in accordance with Islamic law.

Their enhanced firepower and brazenness has left beleaguered government troops and foreign mercenaries struggling to keep pace. Analysts speculate that the archipelago will be used to establish bases from which to launch attacks on the mainland, using boats seized during last month’s assault.

Devastating news! #Vamizi was paradise on Earth!🤯🤯💔 https://t.co/VF11facWdU

— Sue (@SoVerySueThing) September 15, 2020

Energy companies investing in gas projects off the coast of Cabo Delgado province have been forced to build new facilities to avoid disruption after the insurgents’ occupation of key supply routes. Villages on the edge of the gas field are raided regularly.

Britain has backed the development with a £1 billion loan. Centrica, British Gas’s parent company, has committed to buying 2.6 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas a year from the project over the next 20 years.

One resident of Mecungo island told AFP that the insurgents had arrived by boat at night and rounded everyone up. Mozambique and its islands have been closed to tourists since pandemic travel restrictions were imposed. “They told us to run if we want to live. Everyone left the island,” the witness said.

More than 1,500 people have been killed and 250,000 displaced during the insurgency which erupted three years ago, close to the border with Tanzania. Those fleeing the fighting have described torture, beheadings and entire villages being burnt to the ground.

At first the militants masked their affiliations, and the government dismissed them as criminals, but in the past year a group calling itself Islamic State Central Africa Province (Iscap), affiliated with Isis, has claimed credit.

The mostly Muslim 2.3 million population of Cabo Delgado has seen little of the area’s vast natural wealth, which includes the world’s biggest ruby mine, and the neglected region is a ripe ground for recruitment. Recent advances by Iscap have marked a turning point in the conflict, with private armies such as the Russian Wagner Group that were deployed against the jihadists forced to retreat.

Jasmine Opperman, an analyst with the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, said: “The insurgents now have a strong maritime capability, which is rapidly evolving. They are sealing off the region both by land and sea, and exerting their dominance.”

Analysts say Islamic State has long held ambitions to establish “franchise” operations in Africa’s conflict zones. Last month it threatened attacks on South Africa if it deployed troops to support its neighbour.

Total, the French oil giant, has committed to investing up to dollars 50 billion in the liquefied natural gas development, a deal which Mozambicans hoped would turn their impoverished state into the Qatar of Africa. However, local leaders say there is little evidence so far that there will be many jobs or profit for their communities.

The Times