Two Mozambican nationals will be put on trial in Cabo Delgado province in the north of the country on charges of crimes related to the financing of terrorism, collecting information, joining a terrorist organization and a criminal association, a state ministry source said.
According to the same source, both were arrested “in flagrante delicto” in March 2023 in the city of Mocimboa da Praia, with 885,500 meticais (13 thousand euros) and “various food products that were intended to ensure the sustainability of terrorist activities.” . group that was camped in Cabo Delgado.”
The Central Directorate for Combating Organized and Transnational Crime (GCCCOT) opened criminal cases against two citizens and, according to the prosecutor’s office, during the investigation “it turned out that the defendants, in addition to purchasing food, purchased SIM cards and coupons.” recharges from mobile operators and sent them to the leader of the terrorist group.”
“Which, in turn, distributed it to the rest of the members to ensure communication, internet, as well as money transactions using mobile wallets for group members and support for their families,” the source added.
“After use, the SIM cards were destroyed as a way to erase traces and evade justice, and with the money received, obtain information intended for the leader of the terrorist group about the location, movement and position of the Defense Forces. and security,” the source continued, adding that after the investigation was completed, charges were filed and the case was sent to the Cabo Delgado Provincial Court on April 22, with two accused being arrested.
“In relation to the defendants, the materials contain sufficient evidence of committing crimes related to the financing of terrorism, collecting information, joining a terrorist organization and criminal community,” the source concluded.
The province has faced an armed insurgency for six years, with the extremist group Islamic State claiming responsibility for some attacks.
The insurgency, which has intensified since December 2023 with several attacks on the population and armed forces, has led to a military response since July 2021, supported initially by Rwanda with more than 2,000 soldiers, as well as countries in South Africa liberating areas near the pipeline. projects.