Persecution

 The Islamic State Mozambique Province (ISMP), an affiliate of Islamic State, has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on Christian civilians in the northern part of the African country, often in the Cabo Delgado province, the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) said last Wednesday.

ISMP released photos, seen by MEMRI, showing militants killing people and setting fire to churches and homes across several villages.

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo said on Thursday that security in Cabo Delgado had improved thanks to the efforts of the national military, but that terrorism threats remained.

Newsweek has contacted Mozambique's president's office, via online contact form, and the country's embassy in Washington, D.C., via email, for comment. 

Why It Matters

There is currently widespread discussion about the violence from Islamic jihadist groups targeting Christians in Nigeria, which Newsweek has covered in-depth here.