Mocímboa da Praia, Mozambique – At least 13 fishermen were killed on March 15, 2026, when Mozambican naval personnel opened fire on their boats off the coast of Cabo Delgado province, according to reports from residents and a statement released today by Human Rights Watch. The incident, which occurred in waters restricted due to ongoing security concerns related to armed conflict, raises serious questions about the use of lethal force against civilians and the protection of livelihoods in the region. The Mozambican government has imposed restrictions on coastal movement and fishing in an attempt to limit the movement of non-state armed groups, but these measures are increasingly impacting local communities who depend on the sea for survival.
The killings are the latest in a series of incidents where Mozambican security forces have been accused of using excessive force against fishermen. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) estimates that approximately 70 fishermen have been killed in similar incidents since 2024, highlighting a disturbing pattern of violence and a lack of accountability. This escalating situation is occurring against the backdrop of a complex insurgency in Cabo Delgado that has displaced over 1.3 million people since 2017 and claimed the lives of around 6,500, according to the UNHCR.
Naval Intervention and Civilian Casualties
Details of the March 15th incident are emerging from accounts provided by local residents. According to reports, a group of fishermen set out before dawn in three compact boats from Calugo village, despite the existing restrictions. They were intercepted by naval personnel who initially approached them calmly, asking about their origin. Although, witnesses say the naval forces then abruptly opened fire.
A relative of one of the survivors told Human Rights Watch that 13 fishermen were killed, identifying some of the victims as Juma Sufo, the son of a local resident, and a man named Mr. Mapanga, from the areas of Marere and Nanquidunga. Three other fishermen, aged 23, 24, and 32, sustained injuries and were transported to the Provincial Hospital in Pemba. However, family members report that adequate immediate medical care was delayed; one man required surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his neck, but the procedure wasn’t performed until March 20th.
Restrictions and the Struggle for Livelihoods
The Mozambican Defense and Security Forces maintain that the coastal restrictions are necessary to counter the movement of insurgents along the coastline. The ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado, fueled by a complex mix of local grievances and extremist ideologies, has created a volatile security environment. However, critics argue that the broad restrictions are disproportionately impacting civilian populations, particularly those reliant on fishing for their livelihoods.
“Without access to the sea, communities lose essential means of subsistence,” explained Borges Nhamirre, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, a South African nonprofit group. “They are caught between the conflict and hunger.” The restrictions are forcing fishermen to seize dangerous risks, venturing into restricted waters out of economic necessity, and increasing the likelihood of encounters with security forces.
Accountability and International Law
Human Rights Watch is calling for an urgent and impartial investigation into the March 15th incident, demanding accountability for those responsible and compensation for the victims and their families. Sheila Nhancale, Mozambique researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the need for Mozambique’s international partners to press the government for a credible and transparent investigation.
The incident raises concerns under international humanitarian law, which governs armed conflicts. Applicable to the non-international armed conflict in Cabo Delgado, these laws require warring parties to distinguish between civilians and combatants and to take feasible precautions to protect civilians. Common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and its Second Additional Protocol provide minimum protections for those not taking part in hostilities. Mozambique is obligated under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to investigate potentially unlawful deaths and ensure accountability.
Tomás Queface, a researcher at ACLED, noted that previous incidents involving the Mozambican navy and fishermen have not been adequately investigated. “This sends a message that such abuses are tolerated and risks further violations,” he said.
The situation in Cabo Delgado remains precarious. Whereas the government, with support from regional and international forces, has made some gains against insurgents, the underlying issues of poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity continue to fuel the conflict. The cycle of violence, coupled with restrictions on essential livelihoods, creates a breeding ground for further instability.
The next key development will be the response from Mozambican authorities to the calls for an independent investigation. A statement from the Ministry of National Defence is expected within the coming weeks outlining the steps they will take to address the allegations and prevent similar incidents in the future.
This is a developing story. Share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below.
