More than 1,000 displaced villagers from Mitumbate, in northern Mozambique, return home – Xinhua

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More than 1,000 displaced villagers from Mitumbate, in northern Mozambique, return home – Xinhua

7:49 CAT | 21 Nov 2018

Mitumbate. File photo: Savana

More than 1,000 residents from the community of Mitumbate, district of Mocimboa da Praia in northern province Cabo Delgado of Mozambique, began to return to their places of origin after abandoning them six months ago, the district administrator confirmed to Xinhua on Wednesday.

The displacement of the villagers followed the attacks from a group of unidentified armed men, who stormed their village killing the community leader and setting fire to their houses.

“Mocimboa da Praia district is today one of the safest places in the country, and indeed families are returning to their places of origin as well as resuming their life particularly income generating activities,” said the administrator Marques Naba.

Authorities said living conditions in the community have returned to normal, although defense and security forces remain at the village.

“Situation is much better now, we are bit by bit working, however, we feel totally safe to stay in our farms until late hours,” said Manuel Constancio, a local resident.

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Commercial activities in the community are also functioning again and businessmen said trust and tranquility are being restored.

The sporadic attacks that began in Mocimboa da Praia more than one year ago, spreading to other districts including Palma and Moeda, have left at least 90 people dead and hundreds of houses burnt down.

More than 200 people accused of involvement in the attacks have been detained, and the trial beginning in October in the city of Pemba, capital of Cabo Delgado, is currently underway.

ALSO READ: Villages without people in Cabo Delgado – Savana

Source: Xinhua