Can Mozambique contain escalating violence?

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Published Apr 7, 2021

A major humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Mozambique after more than a week of fighting between government forces and an armed group that launched a shocking and highly-coordinated attack on the city of Palma.

The military on Monday declared the city "safe" but stopped short of saying it was back in full control.

Fighters from a group known locally as al-Shabab launched the attack on March 24, sending thousands of residents fleeing from their homes. The violence left dozens dead and witnesses recalled seeing bodies in the streets, some of them beheaded.

The group, which has pledged allegiance to ISIL, has been active in the oil-rich Cabo Delgado since 2017. The United Nations estimates about 670,000 people have been displaced and as many as 2,600 killed in the simmering conflict.

Palma and the wider region is the centre of billions of dollars of off-shore oil projects run by firms including France's Total. The oil giant had announced it would resume construction of a $20 billion facility after suspending work in January over security concerns. Now, the Paris-based company has halted construction again.

In this episode of The Stream, we’ll discuss the deteriorating security situation and ask what comes next for Mozambique. Join the conversation:
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