Mozambique: Poachers Vandalize Electrical Infrastructure in Mozambique’s Niassa Special Reserve, Causing Power Outages

Poachers in Mozambique have vandalized electrical infrastructure in the Niassa Special Reserve and its buffer zones. The incidents, particularly frequent in the Marrupa-Mecula corridor, involve the theft of electrical grid components and equipment for making traps. The vandalism has led to significant consequences, such as the recent toppling of an electricity transmission pole due to the theft of stabilizing spikes. As a result, the entire district of Mecula experienced an eight-hour power outage. The damage to the electrical grid infrastructure highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating poaching activities in protected wildlife areas.