Mozambique: EU ‘closely’ monitoring attack in Palma, concern about citizens

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Mozambique: EU ‘closely’ monitoring attack in Palma, concern about citizens

8:21 CAT | 25 Mar 2021

File photo: Sala da Paz

The European Union is “closely” monitoring the ongoing armed attack in the Palma region of northern Mozambique and assessing possible needs for assistance to European citizens affected by this new episode of violence.

In a statement to Lusa, the EU spokeswoman for foreign affairs and security policy, Nabila Massrali, said that the European External Action Service is “closely monitoring” the situation, having taken note of the “content of the press release from the ministry of defence” made public this morning in Mozambique, confirming an armed attack underway in the town of Palma, near the Cabo Delgado gas project.

The EU delegation [in the country] is coordinating with locally represented member states, UN organisations and local authorities to assess the situation and needs on the ground, including concerning any EU citizens who may be in the affected region, the spokesperson indicated.

Nabila Massrali added that the European Union was “following with concern the deteriorating security situation in northern Mozambique and deplored the loss of life and the disruption of economic and social activity.”

In this Thursday’s press statement, Omar Saranga said that the attack carried out by armed groups started at 16:15 on Wednesday, when terrorists attacked the village of Palma in three directions: Pundanhar – Manguna crossroads, Nhica do Rovuma road and the airfield”.

The defence ministry called on the population to remain vigilant and serene while looking for safe spaces, asking for collaboration with the authorities, denouncing the terrorists and armed men for their neutralisation.

Several sources told Lusa on Wednesday that the population of Palma was leaving the village and taking refuge in the woods, a scenario also confirmed by the ministry of defence.

According to witnesses, workers of different nationalities linked to works in the Palma region, where gas projects in northern Mozambique are taking place, fled along with the population after the attack by armed groups on the district headquarters town.

The town hosts several companies and personnel due to the investments underway there.

Source: Lusa