Security Brief on the Associated Threats and Operating Environment, and Are Recommended to Have Undertaken Annual Travel Security Training

Intelligence and Analysis Services

Country Travel Advice Report Mozambique

Overall Risk Rating: Moderate - High | 3.75

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Contents

Country Risk Rating Breakdown ...... 3 Country Overview ...... 4 Security Overview ...... 4 Political Overview ...... 4 Infrastructural Overview ...... 5 Environmental Overview ...... 5 Medical Overview ...... 5 Fact Box ...... 6 Travel Risk Advice ...... 7 Threat Scale Reference ...... 10

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Country Risk Rating Breakdown

Country Overall Risk Rating Moderate - High | 3.75

Security Environmental Infrastructural Political Medical

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Country Overview Moderate - High | 3.75

Mozambique is a developing country currently undergoing a democratic transition. The country's political system continues to be dominated by the ruling Frelimo party, although it faces sustained pressure from the political opposition. Following the end of the country's civil war in 1992, armed groups loosely affiliated with the main opposition, Renamo, continued to pose a threat to stability in several central and northern provinces, particularly during a period of increased hostilities between 2013 and 2016. Violence linked to Renamo's armed wing has predominantly taken the form of armed banditry, vehicular ambushes on highways, and attacks on government interests in rural areas of the country's central provinces, from where the group draws much of its support. Peace talks with the government have seen a significant reduction in violence since 2016 and the signing of a permanent ceasefire in August 2019, but some Renamo factions are seemingly opposed to a peace deal and clashes, ambushes and armed banditry continue to impede stability in some areas.

Since October 2017, Mozambique's majority Muslim north, particularly Cabo Delgado province, has seen a serious escalation in attacks on security forces linked to alleged Islamist militants. Much of this violence has been in the form small-scale, low-capability attacks on remote villages in the Mocimboa da Praia and Palma districts, but more ambitious firearm and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks on vehicles travelling in these areas have also been reported in recent months. Despite concerns over the security of the region's nascent oil and gas sector and alleged links between the attackers and transnational terrorist groups such as Islamic State (IS), the government has so far struggled to effectively deal with the growing insurgency, and the intensity of attacks has been increasing since the beginning of 2019.

In addition to the localised political violence and terrorism threats, the government has been compelled to contend with widespread corruption and weak rule of law. Although improvements have been made due to sustained pressure from important donor countries, there remain concerns over openness and political processes in Mozambique as Frelimo attempts to retain complete control of the state amid increasing pressure from opposition groups.

The primary threats to foreign nationals come from high rates of criminal activity, sporadic unrest linked to socio-economic grievances and disease outbreaks. Much of Mozambique’s infrastructure is undeveloped compared to that in Western countries, particularly with regard to the secondary road network and medical facilities.

Security Moderate - High | 3.50

Overview

Petty and violent criminal activity is common and widespread in Mozambique, with foreign nationals have often being singled out due to perceptions of relative wealth. Although travelers are more likely to be targeted in robberies or petty theft, criminals are typically armed with knives or firearms and often quick to resort to violence if challenged or resisted. Kidnapping statistics for Mozambique are unreliable, but abductions are believed to have increased significantly in recent years, with members of the South Asian community in the south of the country being at particular risk.

Unrest is also relatively common in Mozambique's urban centers, driven by a range of socio-economic and political issues, and security forces have often been accused of being quick to resort to aggressive crowd dispersal tactics when dealing with demonstrations.

Although Renamo rebel activity has declined significantly since the declaration of a ceasefire in 2016, sporadic, low-intensity violence continues to be reported in areas of Mozambique's northern and central provinces despite ongoing peace talks with the Frelimo government. However, attacks by Renamo fighters opposed to the peace process present a significantly lower threat than violence during the most recent upsurge in fighting between 2013 and 2016, predominantly involving bandit attacks on vehicles traveling on highways in remote areas. Although the peace process remains relatively fragile, the Renamo leadership are currently committed to the demobilization and reintegration of their forces.

A more pressing concern for the government in recent months has been the rise of a small but violent Islamist terrorist movement in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. Much of the violence linked to the group has been in the form small-scale, low-capability attacks on remote villages in the Mocimboa da Praia and Palma districts, but more ambitious firearm and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks on vehicles traveling in these areas have also been reported. Although many aspects of the terrorist threat remain unclear, including the group's origins, affiliation, ideology and links to organized crime, there have been growing concerns over the risk to investment in the region's nascent oil and gas sector.

Political Moderate - High | 3.50

Overview

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Despite the intense and frequently violent rivalry between Frelimo and Renamo, Mozambique has remained relatively stable through its ongoing democratic transition, with Frelimo continuing to dominate the country's political sphere with power heavily focused in Maputo. However, the ruling party has been gradually losing support to Renamo and the opposition Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) in recent years. The ruling party enjoyed a landslide victory in the last general election, winning a two-thirds majority in parliament and control of all ten provincial administrations, but widespread allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities have raised questions over whether Frelimo is prepared to cede power for the first time since independence.

Despite some improvements brought about by pressure from important donor countries and international partners, corruption remains a serious issue in Mozambique, affecting both the public and private sectors. Rule of law has also historically been weak in the country, with corruption issues extending to the judiciary, but is improving.

Infrastructural Moderate - High | 3.75

Overview

Regulatory oversight in Mozambique's aviation sector has been improving in recent years, and domestic airlines have recently been removed from international blacklists. However, facilities at many airports are basic and the safety of some domestic flights may fall below international standards.

Driving conditions are hazardous in the country due to the poor quality of the road network, particularly in rural areas, and limited adherence to safety regulations. Driving standards are generally lower than in many Western countries and road traffic collisions are common, presenting a significant risk for those unfamiliar with the local driving environment. Long distance overland travel is particularly hazardous and is likely to require significant planning and in-country support.

Mozambique has been investing in its national energy infrastructure and improving electrification rates in recent years, although there remain significant challenges. Development remains heavily focused in major cities and provincial centers and many rural communities remain isolated. The country's telecommunications infrastructure also remains underdeveloped and internet access is hampered by high costs and slow speeds.

Environmental Moderate | 3.25

Overview

Mozambique has a tropical climate with a distinct rainy season running from November to April, although large areas in the south of the country are arid. Large-scale flooding occurs annually during the rainy season, often causing significant overland travel disruption. Mozambique is also prone to severe droughts that can trigger significant food security crises in rural areas.

Unexploded ordnance and landmines have become less of a risk in recent years due to NGO-led demining efforts, although there remains a landmine threat in some remote rural areas. The country is also situated in a seismically active region and experiences periodic earthquakes, typically of low-to-moderate intensity.

Medical High | 4.25

Overview

Malaria is endemic in Mozambique and prophylaxis is recommended for all travelers. Schistosomiasis, African sleeping sickness, dengue fever, tick-borne relapsing fever, brucellosis and rift valley fever are also present, while cholera outbreaks are relatively common. Medical facilities are extremely limited in the country, although there are a few reputable hospitals in Maputo. Medical evacuations to South Africa are generally required for all major procedures or prolonged treatment and can be extremely expensive. Although there are numerous pharmacies in Maputo and other urban centers, some prescription pharmaceuticals are not widely available, particularly in rural areas. Sanitation in Mozambique is also well below western standards, and tap water is not considered safe for consumption.

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Fact Box

Government Presidential Republic Type

Population 26,573,706 (2017)

Currency Mozambican Metical

Emakhuwa 25%, Portuguese (official) 11%, Xichangana 10%, Cisena 8%, Elomwe 7%, Languages Echuwabo 5%, other Mozambican languages 30%, other, 4%

Time Zone UTC+2

Religions Roman Catholic 28.4%, Muslim 17.9%, Zionist Christian 15.5%, Protestant 12.2%

Traffic Drives on the left

Plug Types Type C, Type F, Type M

Ethnicities African 99.7% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena), other 0.3%

Drinking Not Safe to Drink Water

Significant Dates:

January 1 - New Year’s Day February 3 - Heroes’ Day March 30 - Good Friday April 7 - Additional Women’s Day May 1 - Labour Day June 25 - Independence Day September 7 - Lusaka Information Agreement Day September 25 - Armed Forces Day October 5 - Peace and National Reconciliation Day November 10 - Maputo Holiday (Maputo only) December 25 - Christmas Day (Family Day)

International Country +258 Code

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Travel Risk Advice

Vaccinations and Key Health Risks

You should visit a health care professional at least four to six weeks prior to the trip. Travellers should ensure that they have routine vaccination courses and boosters. Routine vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and annual flu vaccine.

Most travellers will require vaccines from:

Hepatitis A Typhoid

Dependent on work, reason for travel, or underlying health conditions, some travellers visiting Mozambique may require vaccines from:

Hepatitis B Rabies Cholera Tuberculosis

Pre-departure

Corruption is a major concern in Mozambique and travellers to the country should undertake bribery and corruption training. Travellers should also undertake a pre-travel security brief on the associated threats and operating environment, and are recommended to have undertaken annual travel security training.

Travellers should receive a detailed medical brief, including appropriate vaccinations, during which personal medical information should be recorded and should ensure they have sufficient supplies of any prescribed medication to cover delays or lack of availability in the country.

Travellers should identify possible sources of medical support in Mozambique, such as the availability of a hotel-provided doctor for minor ailments. Dependent upon the task, specific medical support may also be required.

Travellers should have adequate travel insurance in place to enable rapid medical treatment or emergency extraction from the country and should review contingency options, business continuity and crisis management plans.

Travellers should conduct research into the current political situation in Mozambique. If the travel dates coincide with planned elections, anniversaries or significant dates, additional measures may need to be taken.

Travellers should provide friends and family with a copy of their itinerary, make a copy of important travel and identification documents, and if applicable, obtain their visa prior to arrival. Travellers should also have information on their meeting host, accommodation, relevant embassies and trusted local contacts easily accessible.

On Arrival

Travellers should have a meet and greet procedure in place and minimise the time spent in the common areas of the airport, proceeding through arrivals in a timely manner and departing as soon as possible.

Travellers should continually reassess the security and threat environment through a range of multi-source intelligence advisories.

Travellers should carry a copy of their travel documents at all times.

In Transit

There is a significant threat from criminal activity in Mozambique and expatriates are often targeted due to their perceived relative wealth. Travellers should utilise low-profile vehicles with security trained drivers, dependent on the location of travel, executive protection officers may also be required.

Fuel levels in the vehicles should be at least half-full, and additional fuel and water should be carried if travelling in remote areas. Travel routes should avoid isolated areas and potential choke points where practical.

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Travellers should establish the formal identification of the driver before commencing any trip.

Parts of Mozambique flood seasonally and four-wheel-drive vehicles are typically required for travel during the rainy season and in remote areas due to poorly maintained roads.

Travellers should travel with minimal non-essential valuable items. Any valuables should not be displayed publicly.

Roads outside Maputo are poorly maintained and fuel stations are rare. Travellers should vary routes and times and avoid road travel after dark.

At Your Hotel

Travellers should stay at reputable hotels with good standards of international-level security and should avoid hotels that have scheduled high-profile conferences during the stay. Hotels should be located in areas that have not previously witnessed protests or demonstrations and are not marred by ethnic or political tensions.

On arrival at the hotel, travellers should ensure the driver stays on site until their check-in has been confirmed.

Travellers should favour rooms between floors 2 and 6, and as far as possible from the main entrance and principal public areas. Rooms with access from a side balcony or fire escape should be avoided.

Travellers should always lock the door (and any connecting doors) to their room and use the chain or spy hole when receiving a visitor. Do not open the door to your hotel room, especially late at night, until you have confirmed the visitor’s identity and meet strangers in the lobby, not in your room.

Travellers should monitor their airline's flight schedule and status throughout their stay.

In the Street

Travellers should avoid leaving the hotel, or secure accommodation, after dark.

Travellers should avoid sensitive areas, and during periods of heightened tension, symbolic places such as police stations, government buildings and locations of previous protests.

Travellers should maintain a low profile, not become involved in local political issues and avoid discussing politically sensitive topics in public. In crowded situations, travellers should be aware of jostling as this may be used as a ploy by pickpockets. Travellers should also be aware of people loitering, and attackers who may first pass their victim to attack from behind.

Travellers should be aware of the national culture and behavioural expectations. Although homosexuality is not illegal in Mozambique, attitudes in some areas, particularly outside of Maputo, tend to socially conservative and there may be some discrimination against members of the LGBT community.

Travellers should avoid overt displays of wealth, dress discreetly and appropriately to the environment, not display money, jewellery or valuables and maintain a low profile.

Travellers should settle small bills with cash, and have a spare credit card available. Travellers should use only small denominations of the local currency, and keep large amounts of cash and cards in a separate place on their person. The contents of wallets and purses should be reduced, particularly cards which may denote affiliations, memberships or accounts. Do not use credit or debit cards unless absolutely necessary and then only at respected, well-known retail and service establishments. Travellers should avoid using ATMs at night as these may be watched by thieves.

Travellers should ensure that their mobile phone is carried with sufficient battery life and programmed with appropriate emergency numbers. Travellers should also carry an ID card or passport and emergency medical information.

Travellers should be aware of their location and surroundings, avoiding high-crime areas and walking through dimly lit streets after dark. Travellers should know routes and carry a map if necessary, but keep it concealed.

Travellers should ignore verbal bait from passers-by, not get into an argument and avoid eye contact with strangers.

Travellers should avoid any demonstrations, protests and rallies, which may attract security forces and present a dynamic and volatile environment.

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Travellers should be aware that photographing government buildings or military facilities may result in detention by authorities. Travellers should ask permission before taking pictures of locals, especially women.

COVID-19 Information

Total Cases (ECDC) (Updated on Monday): 110,288

Weekly percentage increase in cases:10.94%

Travel Restrictions: Internal Restrictions Authorities have extended and revised nationwide COVID-19 measures through Aug. 17 due to increasing COVID-19 case numbers.

Domestic Restrictions

The nationwide curfew remains in effect, but has been extended by one hour from 22:00-04:00 to 21:00-04:00.

Supermarkets may open 09:00-16:00 Monday-Saturday, and 09:00-13:00 on Sundays and public holidays.

Restaurants may operate 06:00-18:00 daily. Food stalls may operate 06:00-17:00 daily, but may not sell alcohol.

Stores selling alcoholic beverages may operate 09:00-13:00 Monday-Saturday, and must close on Sundays and public holidays.

Religious services, conferences, and celebrations are suspended, except weddings and funerals, which are limited to 20 participants. If the funeral is for a COVID-19 victim, the event is limited to 10 people.

Meetings in public and private institutions are limited to 15 people indoors and 30 people outdoors, without exceeding 50 percent of a venue's capacity.

All social events remain prohibited throughout the country. Beaches are closed to sports, games, and parties. Theaters and cultures spaces will also shut down.

Around 30 percent of public and private employees should work remotely.

Citizens must book appointments at government offices, which operate 08:00-14:00, in advance.

International Travel Restrictions

International commercial flights are operating.

All international arrivals in Mozambique must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure for the country, irrespective of vaccination status. Children under five years old are exempt.

For travelers arriving in Mozambique via land border crossings, the negative test result remains valid for seven days, permitting multiple entries or short-term return travel.

Passengers who test positive upon or fail to provide a negative test result must self-quarantine for 14 days. Those who provide a negative test result are exempt from quarantine.

Additional Information: https://mz.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

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Threat Scale Reference

Threat Rating Implication

The operating environment is benign and there are only isolated threats to business 1 - Negligible and/or travel.

The operating environment is generally permissive, although there are a limited 2 – Low number of threats to business and/or travel that requires basic mitigations.

The operating environment is challenging and there are serious threats to business 3 – Moderate and/or travel that requires some mitigations.

The operating environment is hostile and there are significant threats to business, 4 – High personal safety and/or travel, requiring comprehensive mitigations and planning.

The operating environment is characterised by pervasive direct threats to business, 5 – Extreme personal safety and/or travel, requiring strict risk management procedures.

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Disclaimer

Drum Cussac Group Ltd makes no representation, warranties or assurance against risk with respect to the contents or use of this document, and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties or usefulness for any particular purpose of this publication. Recommendations made are based on information available at the time of writing. No express or implied warranty is given in respect of any judgment made or to changes, or any unforeseen escalation of any factors affecting any such judgment.

Drum Cussac is a global consultancy delivering intelligence-led, technology-enabled risk, security and crisis management solutions to leading international organisations. Our specialist operations teams are recognised experts in providing a highly responsive and proactive resource in challenging and demanding situations.

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