Mozambique: At least 17 schools closed for security reasons

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: At least 17 schools closed for security reasons

12:37 CAT | 23 Feb 2022

FILE PHOTO - For illustration purposes only. [File photo: Lusa]

Seventeen schools have been closed in Meluco, in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado, as a result of armed attacks since January, the district administrator said.

“There are 17 schools that are not functioning because there are no conditions for that […] the teachers and staff have not left the district, but have been transferred to other schools that are still functioning,” Paulo Lilanda said, quoted by Radio Mozambique today.

According to the source, of the 17 closed institutions, some were vandalised by armed groups that have carried out attacks in northern Mozambique and others were closed due to security issues.

“The struggle is to try to ensure that children return to these schools,” said Paulo Lilanda, adding that the district is currently operating with 15 schools.

Read: Mozambique: Cabo Delgado sees 18 dead in rebel attacks, military operations – Lusa

Cabo Delgado province is rich in natural gas but has been terrorised since 2017 by armed rebels, with some attacks claimed by the extremist group Islamic State.

The conflict has led to more than 3,100 deaths, according to the ACLED conflict registration project, and more than 817,000 displaced people, according to Mozambican authorities.

Since July, an offensive by government troops with support from Rwanda, later joined by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), allowed for an increase in security, recovering several areas where there was a rebel presence.

Source: Lusa