The involvement of women in providing logistical support to terrorist groups in Cabo Delgado is one of the main dynamics identified in investigations conducted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, according to data from the Annual Report of the Procuradoria-Geral da República (PGR) for 2025, as reported by the newspaper O País.
According to the Attorney General, Américo Letela, in several cases women are recruited or enticed to perform support roles for armed groups, ensuring the acquisition and supply of essential goods such as food, medicines, and other basic necessities.
“In Mocímboa da Praia, for example, a case was identified in which a woman regularly purchased food products and ensured their delivery to terrorist elements, maintaining direct contact with a group member to coordinate operations,” he said.
The magistrate stressed that this type of involvement is part of a broader framework of logistical and financial support for terrorist activities, which continue to pose a significant threat to national security. According to the report, terrorist networks rely on multiple financing mechanisms, including extortion on public roads, the setting up of barricades on roads linking districts and administrative posts, looting of goods, and destruction of vehicles, forcing civilians to make payments to continue their journeys.
During the period under review, 32 cases related to terrorism crimes were initiated, compared to 26 in the previous period, representing an increase of 23.1%. These are in addition to 87 carried-over cases, totalling 119, of which 31 were concluded — 13 resulting in indictments and 18 in dismissals. At the same time, cases related to terrorist financing increased from 15 to 21, a rise of 40%. Authorities also reported that, during investigations, an amount of 237,000 meticais was seized, allegedly intended to support the logistical activities of armed groups.
Despite the progress made, the investigation of these crimes continues to face significant operational constraints, particularly limited access to conflict-affected areas, the dispersed nature of guerrilla actions, and the displacement of victims and witnesses to different locations within and outside the province.
In light of this scenario, the PGR advocates strengthening interinstitutional coordination, intensifying the sharing of strategic information, and investing in specialised training for criminal investigation officers, in order to improve evidence collection and ensure accountability.
As part of structural measures, the National Strategy for the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and Violent Extremism is being implemented, providing for actions to prevent radicalisation, combat financing, and strengthen institutional coordination. In this context, the National Centre for the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and Violent Extremism has also been established to consolidate the state’s response.
Source: Diário Económico
