Militants terrorising the gas-rich northern Cabo Delgado province for the past four years have in recent weeks shifted their attacks to the west into Niassa. The latest displacements add to the more than 820,000 that have fled the insurgency in Cabo Delgado since 2017. Niassa province has since the end of November become the latest target for militants being driven from Cabo Delgado by African troops. The displaced have sought shelter in Mecula town, where they are housed at government schools or move in with relatives and friends. Another villager said women were kidnapped in the last known raid on Monday in Alassima village, around five kilometres from Mecula town.

Source: The Guardian December 31, 2021 17:32 UTC