Africa-Press – Mozambique. Some of the people who fled attacks in Macomia district, Cabo Delgado province, last week, are now returning, sources from local communities told Lusa on Wednesday.
Attacks were reported in the town of Pangane and the administrative post of Mucojo, 40 kilometres from the headquarters of Macomia district, in northern Mozambique.
“I’m going back to Pangane. I have been in Macomia since December 30. I need to see my ‘machamba’ [vegetable garden],” a 47-year-old woman told Lusa while waiting for passenger transport in Macomia with other residents.
Passenger transport is circulating between Macomia-Mucojo and Mucojo-Pangane, despite some apprehension.
“If the population is returning, I also have to return. It’s not easy to live with the rebels, but I have no choice,” said one driver picking up passengers for Mucojo and Pangane.
Despite the return, the population is still afraid of new rebel incursions.
“I’m going because my machamba is there, but fear prevails. All my children are staying in Macomia,” a 58-year-old father of five complained.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 430 people fled Mucojo and Pagane in Macomia district between December 26 and 28.
On December 31, the Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for a new attack in Cabo Delgado, the third of its kind in less than a month, in which it claims four soldiers died.
On the same channels, the terrorist group presents alleged evidence of other recent clashes with the military in Cabo Delgado, particularly in the district of Macomia.
The terrorist group also claimed on Friday another attack in Cabo Delgado in which it said nine soldiers had died.
Previously, on December 9, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack in which five soldiers died, and claimed to have beheaded a Christian civilian.
The deaths have not been confirmed by authorities.
For More News And Analysis About Mozambique Follow Africa-Press
