Chaos in Mozambique: Homes and Shops of Bangladeshis Under Attack

Bangladeshis in Mozambique Face Violence and Extortion Amid Post-Election Chaos

Law enforcement authorities in Mozambique have reportedly remained passive as Bangladeshi nationals face looting, arson, and extortion. Bangladeshi-owned homes and businesses have been attacked, with perpetrators sometimes demanding bribes under threats of further violence. Over a dozen Bangladeshis shared their experiences during a conference call with The Daily Star on December 25, connecting from various provinces of Mozambique.

Ziaul Islam, a Bangladeshi residing in Zambezia’s Zigi area, revealed that he had to pay about 20,000 meticals (over Tk 37,300) to ensure his safety. “They extort us whenever they find our hiding spots,” Ziaul said. He added that most Bangladeshi business owners had been attacked and were now forced to abandon their homes and move from one hiding place to another.

The violence erupted after Mozambique's top court declared Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo the winner of the October presidential election on December 23, sparking widespread protests from opposition supporters. This political unrest has deeply affected the estimated 5,000 to 8,000 Bangladeshis living in Mozambique.

Ziaul, who originally traveled to Mozambique in 2019 on a tourist visa before starting a grocery store, described watching helplessly as looters vandalized his warehouse and shop. “We spent at least Tk 5 lakh bribing local officials for security, but now we are not getting any support despite repeated pleas,” he said.

Md Ayub, another Bangladeshi living with his family in the Matola suburb of Maputo, had to abruptly end his call with The Daily Star after attackers targeted his home. Community members later confirmed the incident, stating Ayub sought help from fellow Bangladeshis.

Enamul Haq, who has lived in Mozambique since 2007, said all four of his superstores across different provinces were looted. He is now hiding in local residences, paying for protection. “We are caught in the conflict between ruling and opposition parties and are now scattered in different hideouts,” said Anisur Rahman, a leader of the Bangladeshi community in Mozambique. He noted that over 90 percent of Bangladeshi-run shops in one province had been looted.

Anisur highlighted the lack of support from local law enforcement, stating, “The army watches silently, and the police offer no help.” Many Bangladeshis have lost essential documents, including passports, while some cannot afford to return home. The community has reached out to the Bangladesh Embassy in Lisbon and called for intervention from the Bangladeshi government.

Laila Muntajeri Deena, chargé d'affaires of the Bangladesh Embassy in Portugal, which oversees Mozambique, assured that they are in constant communication with Bangladeshi community leaders and updating the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka. She urged the community to remain calm and organized while gathering details of affected individuals to facilitate potential aid.

The crisis comes as Mozambique grapples with severe unrest. According to reports, over 1,500 inmates escaped during a suspected riot in a Maputo jail, leaving at least 33 people dead. Thousands of families are fleeing to neighboring Malawi, with officials describing the situation as “dire.”