The Foreign Office has issued a warning against “all travel” to some parts of Mozambique.
An update from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office warns against any travel to certain districts of the Cabo Delgado Province in the north of the country.
In advice published on December 27, the office warns: “FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Mozambique and continues to advise against all travel to parts of Mozambique.”
The office advises against any travel to the north of the country “due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism”. This includes the districts of:
Britons are also encouraged to avoid travelling to other parts of the country. The office warns: “FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Mozambique due to ongoing political unrest and disruption.”
There is ongoing political strife in the east African country due to disputed election results. In recent days, some 1,500 inmates escaped from a prison in the capital, Maputo.
Advice from the FCDO states: “There is significant unrest across Mozambique which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
“Protests can be violent and occur at short notice. Police have used live ammunition, leading to civilians being killed and injured.”
The guidance also warns there have been “increased incidents” of crime such as looting, break-ins and robberies.
For those currently in the country, the authority urges: “Seek local advice and monitor the local media. Avoid large gatherings or demonstrations, pay attention to your surroundings and avoid travelling after dark.
“Roads, routes to airports and border crossings can quickly be restricted, blocked or closed, affecting services and transport nationwide.”
Some 150 people have been killed in the three months of unrest since the election results came out in October.
The ruling party, Frelimo, was re-elected to power under Danial Chapo, but main opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane said the vote was rigged.
In the unrest that has followed, Frelimo’s offices have been looted and set ablaze, as well as police stations, factories and banks. You can read the advice in full here.
