The announcement follows renewed hostilities between Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo government and opposition party Renamo, and according to the insurance mutual, the port of Beira is particularly threatened, and “a prudent approach and on location risk assessment should be conducted” before shore leave is considered by crew.
Renamo’s headquarters were attacked on 21 October by government troops, and the party has since declared the attack was an attempt to kill their leader, Alfonso Dhlakama, and represents a voiding of the Rome peace accord.
According to a Skuld advisory: “Our information is that security would appear to be intact so there should be no cause for concern for shipowners. All of the hostilities so far have been taking place inland and not on or near the coast.
“We would recommend that ship owners and operators trading to Mozambique request updated information from their agents and particular care should be exercised by crew members wanting to go ashore… especially in Beira which is in Sofala district and where the Renamo headquarters were attacked.”
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