Niassa: Secretary of State says displaced persons have returned to areas of origin

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Niassa: Secretary of State says displaced persons have returned to areas of origin

3:18 CAT | 13 May 2022

Image: Gabinete do Secretario de Estado do Niassa on Facebook

The Secretary of State for Niassa province, in northern Mozambique, says that all those displaced by armed attacks in Mecula district, have already returned to their areas of origin, where they are living in a “calm environment”.

“The entire displaced population [sheltering] in the district headquarters town of Mecula has already returned to their areas of origin and at the moment lives in a relatively calm environment,” Dinis Vilanculos said during a formal hand-over of vehicles to the Police of the Republic of Mozambique, Lusa reports.

ALSO READ: Niassa: Process for the return of people affected by terrorism in Mecula to end this week – RM

For the Secretary of State, the “effective” and “valiant” way in which the defence forces fought the insurgents in Mecula was important for the return of the 3,700 inhabitants who had fled the region due to the attacks registered in December and January.

Mecula was the scene of attacks by armed groups that the Mozambican government assumes fled from neighbouring Cabo Delgado province, where Mozambican and international forces have put insurgents under pressure.

On April 19, the Niassa Special Reserve announced the resumption of tourist activities, ending their suspension due to armed violence, which caused the death of one conservation area ranger.

ALSO READ: Mozambique: Niassa National Reserve reopens to tourists

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

According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), about 784,000 persons have been internally displaced by the conflict, which has killed about 4,000, according to the ACLED conflict registry project.

Since July 2021, an offensive by Mozambican troops, with the support of Rwandan and later Southern African Development Community (SADC) elements, has recovered a number of areas from rebel control, but their flight has led to new attacks in districts through which they have passed or taken up temporary refuge.

Source: Lusa