In very sad breaking news, a peaceful wildlife reserve in Mozambique called Niassa has been attacked by terrorists linked to ISIS. This area was known as a paradise for wildlife and a model for conservation and eco-tourism. But now, years of work and the hopes of many people are at risk.
Terror Strikes Without Warning
On April 29, just after 7 p.m., Colleen Begg, a conservationist and ecologist, was having dinner with her family when she received a shocking WhatsApp message. Her environmental center in the Niassa Special Reserve, called the Mariri Environmental Centre, had been attacked by armed terrorists. Around 2,000 people from a nearby village ran into the forest to escape.
Colleen stayed up all night trying to organize help. The next morning, she received terrible news—five of her team members were missing. After more than 20 years of hard work, her dream of protecting nature in Niassa was falling apart.
Violence Spreads Across the Region
- Over the past month, at least 10 people have died, and many are injured or missing.
- Half of the Niassa Reserve is now closed and controlled by the Mozambican Army as they search for the ISIS fighters.
- Tourist camps, scout stations, and conservation outposts along the Lugenda River have been abandoned.
- The U.S. State Department and the United Kingdom have issued travel warnings for Mozambique.
“Tourism income is gone,” says Begg. “No visitors will come now.” This drop in tourism affects not only conservation but also local jobs and village incomes.
Niassa: A Unique Conservation Area
Niassa is one of the largest protected areas in Africa. It covers more than 17,000 square miles, even bigger than Switzerland! Over 70,000 people live in 47 villages inside the reserve. This is different from many African parks, where local people are often removed for wildlife protection. In Niassa, people and animals have lived together peacefully for generations.
- Niassa is home to lions, elephants, wild dogs, hyenas, and even special birds called honeyguides, which help people find honey.
- Conservation brought jobs to thousands of locals.
- The area was praised in National Geographic just two years ago as a success story.
Tragedy for Communities and Wildlife
Local farmers, who rely on the land, were about to harvest their maize crops when the attacks happened. Now, they have lost both their food and income.
Some of the worst stories include:
- Two scouts and six soldiers killed in the April 29 attack.
- One scout, Mário Cristovão, was shot three times and hid in the bush for three days with no food or water. He fought off a hyena using just his bloody boot before being rescued.
“There is deep sadness,” says Agostinho Jorge, conservation director for Niassa. “People here are very poor. They didn’t deserve this.”
Future of Niassa in Danger
Many workers, born and raised in Niassa, are now leaving their homes. Sacred natural areas, like ancient baobab trees and traditional woodland, are now off-limits to the people who have respected them for centuries.
“I fear their children may never return,” says Begg. “They are the true protectors of this land.”
If the fighting continues, wildlife numbers could start to drop quickly. Already, millions of dollars in tourism have been lost.
Conservation Community Responds
Despite everything, other conservation groups are offering help. Paul Thomson from the Wildlife Conservation Network says:
“Years of progress are at risk. The safety of people and animals must come first.”
Even with two of her team still missing, Begg and her staff are staying strong. They are helping people with food, supplies, and moral support.
“The only way to fight hate is to keep working for conservation,” says Begg.
Breaking News: ISIS-linked terrorists attacked Mozambique’s Niassa Reserve, killing several and destroying conservation camps.The attack threatens wildlife, local communities, and eco-tourism in one of Africa’s most important natural areas.Thousands have fled, and many local workers are traumatized or homeless.Conservation leaders are urging global support to protect what remains of this once-thriving paradise.
