Namibe: Twelve people died and three were injured in the municipalities of Cacimbas and Camucuio, Namibe province, due to clashes between the Mucubal and Nyaneca communities. The incident occurred last Saturday, resulting in the burning of 15 villages.

According to Angola Press News Agency, Cacimbas administrator Jºlia Morais confirmed the incident during a meeting held on Monday with the provincial government, traditional and ecclesiastical authorities, and representatives of the rival tribes. The conflict reportedly began in March when a group of Mucubals allegedly stole cattle from the Nyanekas, leading to a retaliatory killing of a Mucubal.

Jºlia Morais explained that the ongoing disputes are rooted in cattle theft and the shared use of the Mulovei water reservoir in Cacimbas. The tense situation has compelled authorities to seek assistance from defense and security agencies as the local population demands retaliation.

The administrator reported that 300 people armed with spears and machetes are advancing towards Camucuio, intending to confront the Mucubais. She further highlighted that when Mucubais visit the Mulovei area, they engage in acts of vandalism and theft, exacerbating tensions.

Camucuio administrator Mauel Canivete noted that incidents of cattle rustling and fighting have persisted since May. Despite police intervention to settle disputes, the recent escalation involved Mucubais raiding wells in the Mulovei area, leading to an absence of peace in Camucuio.

During the meeting, Cacimbas chief soba Manuel Ndengue proposed that distributing a dam to each tribe could resolve the conflict. He pointed out that young individuals are primarily involved in the violence, despite parental advice against it.

Bapauca Wate, representing the Mucubal group, recalled the historical roots of the conflict, tracing back to colonial times when Nyanecas were used to capture Mucubal children for slavery and cattle theft. He emphasized that the Mucubal rivalry is specifically with the Nyanecas of Mulundo, while relations with other Nyanecas remain amicable. Representatives of the Nyanecas have requested a dam for their community.