EU sanctions Islamic State branch in Mozambique and its leaders

BRUSSELS, 24 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –

The Member States of the European Union have adopted on Monday sanctions against the branch of the Islamic State in Mozambique, in addition to including two of its leaders on the ‘black list’ for the terrorism of the Islamic State and Al Qaeda.

In particular, the EU will begin to apply punitive measures against the Islamic State in the province of Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique and especially impacted by jihadist activity, and adds Abu Yasir Hasan and Monomade Machude Omar to its ‘black list’, two of the group’s most prominent leaders.

The Twenty-seven hold the group and the two militiamen responsible for terrorist attacks and serious violations of Human Rights and consider that their activities contribute to the expansion of the terrorist threat in Mozambique and pose a serious threat to the EU, as well as to regional stability.

In total, the European bloc maintains 15 people and five entities in this sanctions regime, which subjects those designated on the ‘black list’ to a travel ban and asset freeze in the EU.

The EU insists that this step confirms its “determination” to fight the terrorist threat that al Qaeda, Islamic State and their affiliated groups continue to pose. “The EU remains committed to taking decisive action against those who continue to threaten international peace and security by planning, financing and carrying out terrorist attacks, and spreading their terrorist propaganda around the world,” the EU Council said in a statement.