Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking in response to the beheadings of people in Mozambique by Islamic State.

The UK is appalled by reports of beheadings of civilians in Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique, and remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation there. On 10 November, the Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Africa publicly condemned the recent attacks. The British High Commissioner to Maputo also spoke out publicly.

We are working with the Government of Mozambique to address the root drivers of conflict and instability in northern Mozambique, including through engagement with the Government of Mozambique's regional development authority in Cabo Delgado, and by providing targeted technical assistance under the framework of a Defence Memorandum of Understanding. The Minister for Africa spoke to Foreign Minister Macamo on 23 July, noting Mozambique's efforts to address the causes of instability through the creation of the Integrated Department for the Development of Northern Mozambique (ADIN), and to encourage a holistic approach to tackling the insurgency.