British contractor killed in Mozambique ISIS-linked hotel attack

An inquest has provided details regarding the death of Phillip Mawer, a British project manager killed during an Islamic State-linked militant attack on the Amarula Hotel in Palma, Mozambique, in March 2021.

Mr. Mawer, who worked for RA International on accommodation projects for TotalEnergies’ gas developments, was killed when a vehicle in a road convoy was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade while attempting to flee the besieged town. Evidence presented at the Winchester Coroner’s Court indicated that Mr. Mawer had previously declined a seat on an evacuation helicopter, stating that women and children should be evacuated first.

The inquest also addressed accusations against hotel manager Timothy Roberts, who defended his decision to evacuate via helicopter with two dogs. Mr. Roberts testified that he had urged Mr. Mawer to leave sooner and that the hotel owners instructed his departure. The attack occurred in the Cabo Delgado region, an area experiencing a violent insurgency by militants pledged to the Islamic State, which has targeted infrastructure near major natural gas sites.