Islamic State – Central Africa Province

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The Islamic State – Central Africa Province (IS-CAP) is a branch of the Islamic State (IS), a radical Islamist group. IS-CAP appeared around 2018 and tried to spread IS’s influence in parts of eastern Africa, mainly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mozambique, and Uganda. Its leadership has included Musa Baluku in Congo and Abu Yasir Hassan in Mozambique (until 2022). For a time, its claimed headquarters were in Mocímboa da Praia, Mozambique (2020–2021).

What areas did IS-CAP cover?
- Initially it operated in Mozambique, the DRC, and Uganda.
- In 2020, IS-CAP made Mocímboa da Praia its temporary capital during a Mozambican insurgency.
- By 2022, the Mozambican branch split off to become its own Mozambique Province, leaving IS-CAP mainly active in the DRC and Uganda.

How did it start and grow?
- IS-CAP grew out of IS’s global push into Africa after IS’s stronghold in the Middle East weakened.
- Early attacks targeted government forces in the DRC and Mozambique, with IS claiming several raids and ambushes.
- The group released propaganda and video statements to show its allegiance to IS and to recruit supporters.

Key events and behavior
- In Mozambique, IS-CAP fought Mozambican security forces and, at times, attacked areas around Mocímboa da Praia, and even controlled some towns and islands briefly.
- In the DRC, IS-CAP expanded its presence in places like Beni and Ituri, conducting attacks on security forces and civilians, and producing local-style propaganda.
- The group declared allegiance to IS’s caliph in 2019 and continued to use IS-style media, including beheading videos, starting in 2021, then gradually shifting to more regionally focused material.
- A major 2023 incident, the Mpondwe school massacre in western Uganda, was linked by many observers to IS-linked militants, though IS-CAP did not clearly claim responsibility at the time.
- By 2024–2025, IS-CAP faced heavy pressure from Ugandan, Congolese, and international military operations, which reduced its activity and ability to hold territory. Despite setbacks, some IS-CAP members and splinter groups continued fighting.

What is IS-CAP today?
- The Mozambican branch is now called the Mozambique Province, separate from IS-CAP.
- The Congolese branch, led by Musa Baluku, remains a focus of IS-CAP activity but operates largely in eastern Congo with support from IS central command.
- Overall, IS-CAP’s power and reach have diminished due to military offensives, though it still maintains a presence and continues to produce propaganda and carry out attacks in the region.

Notes
- Internationally, the United States and other governments have designated the DRC and Mozambique branches as separate terrorist organizations.
- IS-CAP’s strength, motivations, and control over its affiliates have varied over time, with some analysts doubting how tightly IS central command actually controls the group.