Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Mozambican counterpart on the insurgency in that country.

The UK is deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation in the north-east of Mozambique, and the increasing attacks by groups with links to Islamic extremism. As I made clear publicly on 26 and 28 March, we condemn the appalling attacks in Cabo Delgado and stand with the people of Mozambique against terrorism. The UK Government continues to support the Government of Mozambique to address the causes of the conflict.

Lord Ahmad spoke to Mozambican Foreign Minister Macamo on 11 March, reaffirming UK support to help Mozambique fight terrorism, and stressing that human rights must be at the forefront of the government's approach. I also raised Cabo Delgado when I spoke to the Foreign Minister on 4 February. The Foreign Secretary last discussed the situation in northern Mozambique with President Nyusi on 11 June 2020, urging him to address the underlying causes of the insurgency as well as its effects. Our High Commissioner in Maputo most recently met President Nyusi on 1 April to discuss the Palma attacks and how the UK could support Mozambique's response.