ISIS-linked militants have unleashed a wave of brutal violence in Mozambique’s Niassa Reserve, killing ten people and threatening decades of crucial wildlife conservation efforts in one of Africa’s most important ecological areas.

At a Glance

• Islamic State Mozambique insurgents have attacked conservation sites in Niassa Reserve, resulting in 10 deaths including beheadings
• A village of 2,000 people has been displaced and all conservation work in the reserve has been suspended
• The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel alert for affected regions in Northern Mozambique
• The violence threatens over 20 years of conservation work that has protected populations of lions, elephants, and critically endangered African wild dogs
• Nine conservation and safari camps have been abandoned, with local organizations now focusing on immediate recovery efforts

Terror in Africa’s Pristine Wildlife Haven

A series of deadly attacks by ISIS-affiliated militants has brought conservation efforts to a standstill in Mozambique’s Niassa Special Reserve, an area the size of Switzerland that serves as a critical habitat for endangered wildlife. The Niassa Carnivore Project, which has partnered with the Houston Zoo since 2009, was directly targeted in an April attack that left two dead, one injured, and two people missing. This violence marks a significant escalation in terrorist activity that has spread to one of Africa’s most important wildlife sanctuaries.

The attacks are part of a broader insurgency by Islamic State Mozambique, known locally as al-Shabaab, which has displaced over one million people in northern Mozambique since 2017. Prior to the assault on the Niassa Carnivore Project, militants raided a nearby safari camp, resulting in two beheadings and the deaths of six soldiers. The brutality of these attacks has created a climate of fear that has completely disrupted both conservation activities and community life throughout the region.

U.S. Issues Travel Warnings as Violence Escalates

The situation has become so dangerous that the U.S. Department of State has taken significant action to protect American citizens. “The attacks on the Niassa Carnivore Project’s headquarters caused the U.S. Department of State to issue a Level 4: Do Not Travel alert for specific districts of the Cabo Delgado province, where the reserve is located, and the Nampula province in Northern Mozambique. The order states its reason is due to terrorists continuing “to conduct and plot attacks on government forces, villages, and key supply routes” in the region.”

The entire country of Mozambique is now under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel alert, highlighting the widespread security concerns that extend beyond just the reserve areas. These warnings reflect the serious nature of the threat posed by these insurgents, whose activities have now expanded to target not only government forces but also conservation and tourism operations that are vital to the region’s economy and ecological stability.

Conservation Efforts at Risk After Decades of Progress

The violence threatens to undo more than two decades of conservation work that has been critical in rebuilding populations of endangered species. Niassa Reserve spans 4.2 million hectares and is home to approximately 1,000 lions and 350 critically endangered African wild dogs, along with significant elephant populations. Nine conservation and safari camps have been abandoned, with one completely destroyed by militants. All conservation activities within the reserve have been suspended indefinitely.

“Niassa reserve is special because of its size. It is the size of Switzerland. There are very few places like this in Africa with no fences, with large populations of lions, elephants and animals that require a lot of range. It’s one of these beautiful wilderness areas. We’ve been trying to figure out how to make it a world heritage site and all of that is now at risk because of insecurity”, said Colleen Begg, managing director of Niassa Carnivore Project.

The Niassa Carnivore Project is now focusing on securing their facilities and has established a donation site for recovery efforts. These funds will be directed toward medical needs, evacuation assistance, and support for families affected by the violence. Despite these efforts, the suspension of tourism activities will likely have long-lasting negative impacts on both conservation funding and local economies that depend on wildlife protection and tourism.

Communities Caught in the Crossfire

Beyond the environmental impact, the human toll of these attacks has been severe. A village of 2,000 people has been completely displaced due to the violence, adding to the more than one million Mozambicans who have been forced from their homes since the insurgency began. The Mozambican army is currently pursuing the insurgents, but establishing lasting security in such a vast and remote area presents significant challenges that will require substantial resources and international support.

“The worst thing about these kind of attacks, which is kind of the point, is the fear factor. The attacks are brutal: the two carpenters that were killed at the safari camp were beheaded. There is enormous fear from communities from the brutality of the attack”, added Begg.

Conservation leaders emphasize that restoring peace is the essential first step before any conservation work can resume. Without security, local communities cannot engage in basic livelihood activities like farming and honey collection, and no tourism or conservation activities will be sustainable. The immediate focus has shifted from wildlife protection to human safety, highlighting how closely intertwined community welfare and conservation efforts are in regions like Niassa.