At least 11 people have died after what is believed to be the longest-lived tropical cyclone ever recorded hit Malawi triggering floods and landslides in the country’s second-largest city, Blantyre, said the officials on Monday (March 13). Meanwhile, Cyclone Freddy also made its second landfall in Mozambique, late Saturday and brought heavy rains which disrupted transport and communication in the southern African nation. The total death toll in&nbsp;Mozambique and Malawi&nbsp;has risen&nbsp;to nearly 100&nbsp;after the storm in question swept through various regions of the two nations and left&nbsp;a trail of destruction in its wake over the weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The death toll, including in other districts that have been hit in the southern region, has risen to 99... but we expect the number to rise," Charles Kalemba, commissioner at the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, said.

What we know so far

Freddy continues to be one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the southern hemisphere and last week became the longest-lived tropical cyclone on record. Notably, the previous record was held by a 31-day hurricane in 1994, according to the World Meteorological Organization. This comes as the storm first developed on February 6 between Western Australia and Indonesia has now travelled for 5,500 miles (8,851 km) and is currently wreaking havoc in African nations like Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar.&nbsp;

Reportedly, at least 27 people died in Mozambique and Madagascar when the storm lashed out in the two countries last month. One more person was killed in Mozambique when the cyclone made its second landfall over the weekend, as per local media reports.&nbsp;

What is happening in Malawi?

Malawi police spokesman Peter Kalaya also told the news agency that the aforementioned death toll in the country will likely rise in the upcoming days as the number only accounts for 11 deaths and 16 others missing in Blantyre but not the other 10 districts affected by the storm.&nbsp;

Hours later,&nbsp;Doctors Without Borders (MSF)&nbsp;country director Marion Pechayre told Reuters that&nbsp;Blantyre's&nbsp;central hospital had received around 60 bodies by early afternoon, on Monday while 200 others were being treated for injuries.&nbsp;

“Some missing people are feared buried in rubble,” said Kalaya to Reuters. He added, search and rescue efforts are underway in Chilobwe and Ndirande which are two of the worst affected townships in Blantyre while heavy rains continued on Monday.

According to local police in Malawi, 51 people were killed out of which 36 were from&nbsp;Chilobwe while several&nbsp;others missing or injured, reported the Associated Press. Additionally, the Red Cross which is also working on search and rescue, first aid and hospital evacuations in Malawi took to Twitter and said, "66 people have died in Malawi, 93 injured and 16 people are missing due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy that has affected over 2115 by Monday 13 March."

Cyclone Freddy makes second landfall in Mozambique&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Mozambique has received over a year’s worth of rainfall in the past month or so due to Cyclone Freddy and over the weekend made its second landfall in the country after late last month. According to the French weather agency, Météo-France, the storm may move further inland and cause heavy rains in Mozambique and southern Malawi with possible rains in Zimbabwe and Zambia.&nbsp;

Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology said that the cyclone was initially supposed to make landfall on late Friday but halted over the Mozambique channel. Subsequently, it intensified on Saturday and after regaining its strength made its way inland. The French weather agency had also warned about the “destructive and devastating” winds along with “dangerous seas” and heavy rains in the region which could lead to landslides.&nbsp;

The full extent of the damage and loss of life caused will not be known anytime soon particularly in Mozambique as parts of the country which were affected are witnessing power outages while phone signals were also cut off in some parts.&nbsp;

“We saw a lot of destroyed buildings and clinics. People's homes had their roofs torn off by the wind. Even before the cyclone hit we saw localised flooding,” said Guy Taylor from the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF in Mozambique to Reuters from Quelimane.&nbsp;

This comes as the storm pummelled central Mozambique on Saturday bringing widespread destruction and flooding to the port of Quelimane. So far, at&nbsp;least six people have died in&nbsp;Quelimane which is currently said to be at the centre of this storm, reported Reuters citing authorities and local media reports, on Monday.&nbsp;

The UN agency posted images showing the storm’s impact on “homes, schools, and other infrastructure. Flooding is widespread within the city and surrounding areas.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
First drone shots emerging from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Quelimane?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Quelimane</a> show the enormous impact of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneFreddy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneFreddy</a> on homes, schools, and other infrastructure. Flooding is widespread within the city and surrounding areas. <a href="https://twitter.com/UNICEF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNICEF</a> is on the ground, responding, but additional support is urgently needed. <a href="https://t.co/44L5wYoI2c">pic.twitter.com/44L5wYoI2c</a>
— UNICEF Moçambique (@UNICEF_Moz) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNICEF_Moz/status/1635241549134172161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While speaking about how humanitarian agencies in Mozambique currently do not have the capacity to deal with a disaster of this magnitude, Taylor also said that&nbsp;the wind had died down on Monday but the widespread floods have destroyed crops and created a risk of waterborne diseases, as per Reuters. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

At least 11 people have died after what is believed to be the longest-lived tropical cyclone ever recorded hit Malawi triggering floods and landslides in the country’s second-largest city, Blantyre, said the officials on Monday (March 13).

At least 11 people have died after what is believed to be the longest-lived tropical cyclone ever recorded hit Malawi triggering floods and landslides in the country’s second-largest city, Blantyre, said the officials on Monday (March 13). Meanwhile, Cyclone Freddy also made its second landfall in Mozambique, late Saturday and brought heavy rains which disrupted transport and communication in the southern African nation. The total death toll in Mozambique and Malawi has risen to nearly 100 after the storm in question swept through various regions of the two nations and left a trail of destruction in its wake over the weekend. "The death toll, including in other districts that have been hit in the southern region, has risen to 99... but we expect the number to rise," Charles Kalemba, commissioner at the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, said. What we know so far Freddy continues to be one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the southern hemisphere and last week became the longest-lived tropical cyclone on record. Notably, the previous record was held by a 31-day hurricane in 1994, according to the World Meteorological Organization. This comes as the storm first developed on February 6 between Western Australia and Indonesia has now travelled for 5,500 miles (8,851 km) and is currently wreaking havoc in African nations like Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar. Reportedly, at least 27 people died in Mozambique and Madagascar when the storm lashed out in the two countries last month. One more person was killed in Mozambique when the cyclone made its second landfall over the weekend, as per local media reports. What is happening in Malawi? Malawi police spokesman Peter Kalaya also told the news agency that the aforementioned death toll in the country will likely rise in the upcoming days as the number only accounts for 11 deaths and 16 others missing in Blantyre but not the other 10 districts affected by the storm. Hours later, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) country director Marion Pechayre told Reuters that Blantyre's central hospital had received around 60 bodies by early afternoon, on Monday while 200 others were being treated for injuries. “Some missing people are feared buried in rubble,” said Kalaya to Reuters. He added, search and rescue efforts are underway in Chilobwe and Ndirande which are two of the worst affected townships in Blantyre while heavy rains continued on Monday. According to local police in Malawi, 51 people were killed out of which 36 were from Chilobwe while several others missing or injured, reported the Associated Press. Additionally, the Red Cross which is also working on search and rescue, first aid and hospital evacuations in Malawi took to Twitter and said, "66 people have died in Malawi, 93 injured and 16 people are missing due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy that has affected over 2115 by Monday 13 March." Cyclone Freddy makes second landfall in Mozambique Meanwhile, Mozambique has received over a year’s worth of rainfall in the past month or so due to Cyclone Freddy and over the weekend made its second landfall in the country after late last month. According to the French weather agency, Météo-France, the storm may move further inland and cause heavy rains in Mozambique and southern Malawi with possible rains in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology said that the cyclone was initially supposed to make landfall on late Friday but halted over the Mozambique channel. Subsequently, it intensified on Saturday and after regaining its strength made its way inland. The French weather agency had also warned about the “destructive and devastating” winds along with “dangerous seas” and heavy rains in the region which could lead to landslides. The full extent of the damage and loss of life caused will not be known anytime soon particularly in Mozambique as parts of the country which were affected are witnessing power outages while phone signals were also cut off in some parts. “We saw a lot of destroyed buildings and clinics. People's homes had their roofs torn off by the wind. Even before the cyclone hit we saw localised flooding,” said Guy Taylor from the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF in Mozambique to Reuters from Quelimane. This comes as the storm pummelled central Mozambique on Saturday bringing widespread destruction and flooding to the port of Quelimane. So far, at least six people have died in Quelimane which is currently said to be at the centre of this storm, reported Reuters citing authorities and local media reports, on Monday. The UN agency posted images showing the storm’s impact on “homes, schools, and other infrastructure. Flooding is widespread within the city and surrounding areas.” First drone shots emerging from #Quelimane show the enormous impact of #CycloneFreddy on homes, schools, and other infrastructure. Flooding is widespread within the city and surrounding areas. @UNICEF is on the ground, responding, but additional support is urgently needed. pic.twitter.com/44L5wYoI2c — UNICEF Moçambique (@UNICEF_Moz) March 13, 2023 × While speaking about how humanitarian agencies in Mozambique currently do not have the capacity to deal with a disaster of this magnitude, Taylor also said that the wind had died down on Monday but the widespread floods have destroyed crops and created a risk of waterborne diseases, as per Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nearly 100 killed after Cyclone Freddy triggers floods in Malawi, Mozambique

After striking Madagascar for the second time on Monday, Cyclone Freddy might make landfall in Mozambique later this week. Four people died on the Indian Ocean island, raising Freddy's death toll to 21. The storm initially caused damage in southern Africa in late February, displacing thousands of people in both nations.

It has been whirling over the Indian Ocean for 32 days and may become the longest-lasting storm on record. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) describes the storm's loop as "exceptional" from a meteorological standpoint. Hurricane John, sometimes known as Typhoon John, was the most elongated storm on record, lasting 31 days in 1994.&nbsp;

Given that Cyclone Freddy has been weakening over the previous 32 days, the World Meteorological Organization said it would take several months to determine if it has surpassed John's record. Freddy has already smashed records for its strength and the 8,000-kilometer (5,000-mile) journey across the Indian Ocean.

The cyclone formed off the north Australian coast in early February and travelled hundreds of kilometres across the southern Indian Ocean, impacting Mauritius and La Réunion before the landfall in Madagascar and Mozambique two weeks later.

Mozambique is now ready for a second landfall while dealing with the storm's rains and flooding. According to the UN World Food Programme, Freddy has already touched over 160,000 people. Meanwhile, Madagascar has received around three times its monthly regular rainfall in the last week.

The southwest Indian Ocean has cyclone season from November to April. Environment experts believe climate change is increasing cyclones, making them longer, wetter, and more frequent. After spanning the whole Indian Ocean for a month, Freddy is on track to become the longest-lived tropical cyclone in history, according to the United Nations meteorological organisation.

After striking Madagascar for the second time on Monday, Cyclone Freddy might make landfall in Mozambique later this week. Four people died on the Indian Ocean island, raising Freddy's death toll to 21.

After striking Madagascar for the second time on Monday, Cyclone Freddy might make landfall in Mozambique later this week. Four people died on the Indian Ocean island, raising Freddy's death toll to 21. The storm initially caused damage in southern Africa in late February, displacing thousands of people in both nations. It has been whirling over the Indian Ocean for 32 days and may become the longest-lasting storm on record. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) describes the storm's loop as "exceptional" from a meteorological standpoint. Hurricane John, sometimes known as Typhoon John, was the most elongated storm on record, lasting 31 days in 1994. Given that Cyclone Freddy has been weakening over the previous 32 days, the World Meteorological Organization said it would take several months to determine if it has surpassed John's record. Freddy has already smashed records for its strength and the 8,000-kilometer (5,000-mile) journey across the Indian Ocean. The cyclone formed off the north Australian coast in early February and travelled hundreds of kilometres across the southern Indian Ocean, impacting Mauritius and La Réunion before the landfall in Madagascar and Mozambique two weeks later. Mozambique is now ready for a second landfall while dealing with the storm's rains and flooding. According to the UN World Food Programme, Freddy has already touched over 160,000 people. Meanwhile, Madagascar has received around three times its monthly regular rainfall in the last week. The southwest Indian Ocean has cyclone season from November to April. Environment experts believe climate change is increasing cyclones, making them longer, wetter, and more frequent. After spanning the whole Indian Ocean for a month, Freddy is on track to become the longest-lived tropical cyclone in history, according to the United Nations meteorological organisation.

Cyclone Freddy update: After Madagascar, rising alerts in Mozambique; Might set new record with return

Coffee trees are being used to help protect the rainforests of Mozambique. The trees thrive in the shade of indigenous plants, and the potential profit motivates the local communities to protect the rainforest.

WION Climate Tracker: Coffee trees could save Mozambique rainforest?

The port city in northern Mozambique, liberated from insurgency a year ago, is slowly coming back to life. Mocimboa, in the poor and predominantly Muslim province of Cabodelgado, is slowly rebuilding.

World of Africa | Mozambique: The return to 'Mocimboa'

Often alien species disturb and even destroy indigenous ecosystems but this trend has clearly been reversed in Mozambique. Coffee and Exotic plant species have helped in restoring forests around a mountain in central Mozambique

Coffee Plants helps in restoring forest

From a distance, Mount Gorongosa looks pockmarked.

The slopes of this&nbsp;Mozambican&nbsp;landmark were once covered with verdant rain&nbsp;forest.&nbsp;

Now, they are scarred by deep holes -- the result of clearcutting that exposed the soil and parched it, leaving only shrubs and grasses. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

But in recent years, the&nbsp;forest&nbsp;has been growing back, thanks to a previously foreign crop:&nbsp;coffee.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expensive-coffee-customer-at-italy-coffee-bar-calls-police-over-price-of-espresso-480334">Expensive coffee: Customer at Italy coffee bar calls police over price of espresso</a>

As Juliasse Samuel Sabao walks through the plantation, at an altitude of some 1,000 metres (3,300 feet), he points out the obvious progress.

One side of the track resembles a desert. On the other, a dense&nbsp;forest&nbsp;shelters carefully placed&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;plants.

"Before, this was completely empty. Today, you see the result.

"Coffee&nbsp;needs shade to grow. So, for every&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;plant, we plant a tree as well," he said.

Sabao, who works for Gorongosa National Park, fled to Zimbabwe to escape Mozambique's civil war. There, he discovered coffee culture.

He brought that knowledge back with him to help restore the mountain, which was largely cut off from the world for decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-500-kg-of-cocaine-found-in-shipment-of-coffee-beans-at-a-nespresso-plant-in-switzerland-476818">Around 500 kg of cocaine found in shipment of coffee beans at a Nespresso plant in Switzerland</a>

Legacy of war&nbsp;

Mozambique fought a bloody war for freedom from Portugal, but after independence in 1975, a civil war ravaged the country until 1992.

A smaller conflict later erupted in 2013, ending with a peace treaty in 2019.

During the conflicts, Renamo rebels who used the mountain range as a war-time base and stronghold, exploited the park's natural resources to the brink of environmental collapse.

Pedro Muagara, a trained agronomist and the park's director, had planted a few seedlings, until the conflict shattered his&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;dreams.

As the war dragged into its final years, besieged rebels camped on the mountain slopes with their families. They cleared the&nbsp;forest&nbsp;to grow crops to survive.&nbsp;

Now he's back, teaching communities new ways of farming.

"These people depended on subsistence farming, because they can't afford machinery like tractors. That turned them into agricultural nomads," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;The Good Life: Is Coffee good for you?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-good-life-spilling-the-beans-about-coffee-486661/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"So, they'd clear a few areas, and then&nbsp;deforestation&nbsp;stripped nutrients from the soil. The land got depleted, and when that happened, they'd go clear another patch."

The peace treaty didn't solve the problems of communities on the mountain.

"They didn't have the training or the means to transition from being itinerant farming to conservation farming," Muagara said. &nbsp;

"We had to explain to them that when they lose a tree, they lose their livelihood with it."

Saving&nbsp;trees

Coffee&nbsp;plants take several years to become productive, so the programme also includes food crops so the communities can still support themselves.

The World Bank says Gorongosa now has some 300,000&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;plants as well as 400,000 cashew trees, 400 beehives and 300 new jobs.

Gorongosa&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;is exported around the world, with profits ploughed back into the plantation.

The&nbsp;forest's revival reflects Gorongosa's larger rebirth, since a 20-year partnership was formed in 2008 between Mozambique and the foundation of American philanthropist Greg Carr.

The World Bank has praised the partnership as a model, which has benefited some 200,000 people in the area.

The programme also aligns with the government's goal of improving agriculture and moving beyond exports of raw commodities, said Celso Correia, Agriculture and Rural Development minister.

"One of the biggest challenges in the agriculture sector is the lack of mechanisation, and the need for technology transfers," he said.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-from-checking-on-construction-to-making-coffee-singapores-robots-to-fill-in-labour-gaps-483393">&nbsp;In pics: From checking on construction to making coffee, Singapore’s robots to fill in labour gaps</a>

"The priority is to mobilise resources, but also to improve mobility, developing infrastructure and transportation, so that we can improve the value chain."

With the war in Ukraine, "commodity price inflation is also affecting Mozambique. We need to alleviate this pressure... increase production, (and) be self-sufficient," he said.

"We can't depend on international projects".

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

From a distance, Mount Gorongosa looks pockmarked. The slopes of this Mozambican landmark were once covered with verdant rain forest. Now, they are scarred by deep holes -- the result of clearcutting that exposed the soil and parched it, leaving only shrubs and grasses.

From a distance, Mount Gorongosa looks pockmarked. The slopes of this Mozambican landmark were once covered with verdant rain forest. Now, they are scarred by deep holes -- the result of clearcutting that exposed the soil and parched it, leaving only shrubs and grasses. But in recent years, the forest has been growing back, thanks to a previously foreign crop: coffee. Also read | Expensive coffee: Customer at Italy coffee bar calls police over price of espresso As Juliasse Samuel Sabao walks through the plantation, at an altitude of some 1,000 metres (3,300 feet), he points out the obvious progress. One side of the track resembles a desert. On the other, a dense forest shelters carefully placed coffee plants. "Before, this was completely empty. Today, you see the result. "Coffee needs shade to grow. So, for every coffee plant, we plant a tree as well," he said. Sabao, who works for Gorongosa National Park, fled to Zimbabwe to escape Mozambique's civil war. There, he discovered coffee culture. He brought that knowledge back with him to help restore the mountain, which was largely cut off from the world for decades. Also read | Around 500 kg of cocaine found in shipment of coffee beans at a Nespresso plant in Switzerland Legacy of war Mozambique fought a bloody war for freedom from Portugal, but after independence in 1975, a civil war ravaged the country until 1992. A smaller conflict later erupted in 2013, ending with a peace treaty in 2019. During the conflicts, Renamo rebels who used the mountain range as a war-time base and stronghold, exploited the park's natural resources to the brink of environmental collapse. Pedro Muagara, a trained agronomist and the park's director, had planted a few seedlings, until the conflict shattered his coffee dreams. As the war dragged into its final years, besieged rebels camped on the mountain slopes with their families. They cleared the forest to grow crops to survive. Now he's back, teaching communities new ways of farming. "These people depended on subsistence farming, because they can't afford machinery like tractors. That turned them into agricultural nomads," he said. Watch | The Good Life: Is Coffee good for you? "So, they'd clear a few areas, and then deforestation stripped nutrients from the soil. The land got depleted, and when that happened, they'd go clear another patch." The peace treaty didn't solve the problems of communities on the mountain. "They didn't have the training or the means to transition from being itinerant farming to conservation farming," Muagara said. "We had to explain to them that when they lose a tree, they lose their livelihood with it." Saving trees Coffee plants take several years to become productive, so the programme also includes food crops so the communities can still support themselves. The World Bank says Gorongosa now has some 300,000 coffee plants as well as 400,000 cashew trees, 400 beehives and 300 new jobs. Gorongosa coffee is exported around the world, with profits ploughed back into the plantation. The forest's revival reflects Gorongosa's larger rebirth, since a 20-year partnership was formed in 2008 between Mozambique and the foundation of American philanthropist Greg Carr. The World Bank has praised the partnership as a model, which has benefited some 200,000 people in the area. The programme also aligns with the government's goal of improving agriculture and moving beyond exports of raw commodities, said Celso Correia, Agriculture and Rural Development minister. "One of the biggest challenges in the agriculture sector is the lack of mechanisation, and the need for technology transfers," he said. Also read | In pics: From checking on construction to making coffee, Singapore’s robots to fill in labour gaps "The priority is to mobilise resources, but also to improve mobility, developing infrastructure and transportation, so that we can improve the value chain." With the war in Ukraine, "commodity price inflation is also affecting Mozambique. We need to alleviate this pressure... increase production, (and) be self-sufficient," he said. "We can't depend on international projects". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How coffee is saving a unique Mozambican forest

At least 12 people have died after strong winds and heavy downpours wreaked havoc in Mozambique as Tropical Storm Ana made landfall this week.

Tropical storm Ana makes landfall in Mozambique, over 3,600 homes destroyed

Elephants are being born without tusks. Bears are becoming smaller in size. Sheep are being born with smaller horns. Human activities are altering the very appearance of animals. How is this happening? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Elephants being born without tusks in Mozambique

Terror attacks have decreased. However military insurgency continues in the African continents. The SADC has extended Mozambique operation.

Military insurgency continues in South African continents

Troops from Mozambique and Rwanda have recaptured the port town of Mocimboa da Praia. Since last year, the unrest has escalated as insurgents, linked to Islamic State, seized entire towns, including the strategically important Mocimboa da Praia.

Mozambique, Rwanda forces retake port town of Mocimboa Da Praia

Rwandan forces deployed last month to help Mozambique's army battle jihadists said Sunday they had recaptured control of the key northern port of Mocimboa da Praia from the extremist militants.

Rwandan forces deployed last month to help Mozambique's army battle jihadists said Sunday they had recaptured control of the key northern port of Mocimboa da Praia from the extremist militants. "The port city of Mocimboa da Praia, a major stronghold of the insurgency for more than two years has been captured by Rwandan and Mozambican security forces," the Rwandan Defence Forces said in a tweet. Force spokesman colonel Ronald Rwivanga confirmed this to AFP, saying "yes (Mocimboa da Praia) has fallen". The port town, from where the first Islamist attacks were staged in October 2017, has since last year become the de-facto headquarters of the Islamic State-linked extremists, locally referred to as Al-Shabab. Mocimboa da Praia "was the last stronghold of the insurgents, marking the end of the first phase of counter-insurgency operations which is dislodging insurgents from the stronghold," Rwivanga said in a text message. Rwanda sent in 1,000 troops last month to shore up Mozambican military forces that have been struggling to regain control over the northern Cabo Delgado province, which is home to one of Africa's biggest liquefied natural gas projects. The forces last week claimed their first success since deploying, saying they had helped the Mozambique army regain control of Awasse -- a small but also strategic settlement near Mocimboa da Praia. Regional help "We will continue with security operations to completely pacify those areas and allow Mozambican and Rwandan forces to conduct stabilisation operations as (the displaced) return home and business continues," added Rwivanga. Also read | Rwanda's President Paul Kagame to visit India this month The Rwandan troops deployed on July 9, following an April visit to Kigali by Mozambican leader Filipe Nyusi. They were followed weeks later by forces from neighbouring countries, who are deploying under the aegis of the 16-member regional bloc, the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Botswana became the first SADC country to send in boots on July 26, deploying 296 soldiers. President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who chairs SADC's defence and security arm, has been outspoken on the urgent need for regional stability. Regional powerhouse and immediate neighbour South Africa announced on July 28 it would deploy 1,495 soldiers. A day later, Zimbabwe unveiled plans to dispatch 304 non-combat soldiers to train Mozambique's infantry battalions. Angola then deployed 20 specialised military airforce personnel while Namibia will contribute N$5.8 million (about $400,000) towards the anti-insurgency offensive. Masisi and Nyusi will on Monday formally launch the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) in Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado province. Help to smoke out the insurgents has gained momentum in recent weeks. The European Union on July 12 formally established a military mission for Mozambique to help train its armed forces battling the jihadists. Former colonial ruler Portugal is already providing training for Mozambican troops, with Lisbon's military instructors expected to make up half of the new EU mission.

Rwanda, Mozambique army regain control of port held by jihadists

Mozambique has been fighting a deadly jihadist insurgency since past 4 years. So as to tackle the situation South Africa including other African countries have sent troops to Mozambique.

South Africa send troops to Mozambique against Jihadis insurgencies

16 African Nations have united to battle 'Jihadist Terror' in Mozambique. Rwanda, Botswana & South Africa are sending troops to take on Al-Shabab which wants to establish an 'Islamic Caliphate' in the country. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: South Africa is sending troops to Mozambique

South Africa will send 1,495 troops to Mozambique to help to help the country in fighting jihadist militants wreaking havoc in the north of the gas-rich nation. This will be a 3- month operation which would cost around $66 milion.

South Africa to send troops to Mozambique to help country in fighting Jihadist militants

Southern&nbsp;African&nbsp;countries agreed to deploy forces to help quell a jihadist insurgency, as military and security sources said late Wednesday there had been fresh clashes with Islamist militants in northern&nbsp;Mozambique.

The&nbsp;Southern&nbsp;African&nbsp;Development Community (SADC) approved the deployment of the "SADC Standby Force in support of&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;to combat... terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Cabo Delgado," Executive Secretary Stergomena Tax said at the end of a one-day summit.

She gave no details of the strength of the force or how long it would be deployed.

As the leaders met, security and military sources said clashes had broken out in Palma district, near the multi-million-dollar Afungi LNG gas site.

The insurgents were repelled with air support, the security source said, but one helicopter that was trying to deploy&nbsp;troops&nbsp;had to make an emergency landing because of technical problems. There was no indication of casualties.

"Palma has been under attack since June 21," said the military source, based in the nearby town, without giving further details.

A leaked SADC document earlier this year recommended sending around 3,000 soldiers to Cabo Delgado province, where insurgents have seized control of towns and villages, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.

Mozambique&nbsp;President Filipe Nyusi, himself a former defence minister, had for long shied away from asking for foreign military intervention to fight the jihadists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/43-killed-after-airstrike-hits-the-market-in-ethiopias-conflict-torn-tigray-393524">Also Read |&nbsp;43 killed after airstrike hits the market in Ethiopia's conflict-torn Tigray</a>

His government's poorly trained and under-resourced security forces have relied on private military companies.

In a speech Wednesday, Nyusi thanked his counterparts for the support to "eradicate terrorism and violent extremism" in Cabo Delgado, saying it will complement the efforts of Mozambican forces.

'Eradicate terrorism'&nbsp;

Nyusi, who chaired the&nbsp;bloc&nbsp;for the past 12 months before handing over to Malawi, had come under tremendous pressure from the SADC to deploy the force, said analyst Willem Els of the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies.

For the&nbsp;bloc, "the situation in&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;is not only a local situation, it also evolved into a regional dilemma," he said.

Dino Mahtani of the International Crisis Group recently urged Nyusi to accept "measured" external intervention to avoid a "heavy deployment".

On Wednesday, he hailed the SADC decision as "an incremental step" in a long series of negotiations.

The violence has escalated in the gas-rich north of&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;since breaking out in late 2017 and there are fears it could spill over into neighbouring countries.

On March 24, Islamic State-linked militants launched coordinated attacks on Palma, ransacking buildings and murdering residents as thousands fled into the surrounding forests.

The assault marked an intensification of violence that has driven around 800,000 people from their homes, according to the United Nations, and claimed the lives of more than 2,800 people -- half of them civilians.

British charity Save the Children and local sources said last week that four civilians, including two teenagers, had been beheaded in the region after leaving a village to search for food.

Following the March attack, French oil giant Total pulled out from a gas exploration site in the region.

The leaders of Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Malawi,&nbsp;Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe attended the talks in Maputo, the other countries in the 16-member group sending ministers.

The conflict-hit area is also facing food shortages with the World Food Programme warning that almost one million people, mostly displaced, face severe hunger.

The summit called on member states to provide humanitarian help to all those affected by the insurgency.

Southern African countries agreed to deploy forces to help quell a jihadist insurgency, as military and security sources said late Wednesday there had been fresh clashes with Islamist militants in northern Mozambique.

Southern African countries agreed to deploy forces to help quell a jihadist insurgency, as military and security sources said late Wednesday there had been fresh clashes with Islamist militants in northern Mozambique. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) approved the deployment of the "SADC Standby Force in support of Mozambique to combat... terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Cabo Delgado," Executive Secretary Stergomena Tax said at the end of a one-day summit. She gave no details of the strength of the force or how long it would be deployed. As the leaders met, security and military sources said clashes had broken out in Palma district, near the multi-million-dollar Afungi LNG gas site. The insurgents were repelled with air support, the security source said, but one helicopter that was trying to deploy troops had to make an emergency landing because of technical problems. There was no indication of casualties. "Palma has been under attack since June 21," said the military source, based in the nearby town, without giving further details. A leaked SADC document earlier this year recommended sending around 3,000 soldiers to Cabo Delgado province, where insurgents have seized control of towns and villages, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi, himself a former defence minister, had for long shied away from asking for foreign military intervention to fight the jihadists. Also Read | 43 killed after airstrike hits the market in Ethiopia's conflict-torn Tigray His government's poorly trained and under-resourced security forces have relied on private military companies. In a speech Wednesday, Nyusi thanked his counterparts for the support to "eradicate terrorism and violent extremism" in Cabo Delgado, saying it will complement the efforts of Mozambican forces. 'Eradicate terrorism' Nyusi, who chaired the bloc for the past 12 months before handing over to Malawi, had come under tremendous pressure from the SADC to deploy the force, said analyst Willem Els of the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies. For the bloc, "the situation in Mozambique is not only a local situation, it also evolved into a regional dilemma," he said. Dino Mahtani of the International Crisis Group recently urged Nyusi to accept "measured" external intervention to avoid a "heavy deployment". On Wednesday, he hailed the SADC decision as "an incremental step" in a long series of negotiations. The violence has escalated in the gas-rich north of Mozambique since breaking out in late 2017 and there are fears it could spill over into neighbouring countries. On March 24, Islamic State-linked militants launched coordinated attacks on Palma, ransacking buildings and murdering residents as thousands fled into the surrounding forests. The assault marked an intensification of violence that has driven around 800,000 people from their homes, according to the United Nations, and claimed the lives of more than 2,800 people -- half of them civilians. British charity Save the Children and local sources said last week that four civilians, including two teenagers, had been beheaded in the region after leaving a village to search for food. Following the March attack, French oil giant Total pulled out from a gas exploration site in the region. The leaders of Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe attended the talks in Maputo, the other countries in the 16-member group sending ministers. The conflict-hit area is also facing food shortages with the World Food Programme warning that almost one million people, mostly displaced, face severe hunger. The summit called on member states to provide humanitarian help to all those affected by the insurgency.

Southern African bloc to send troops to insurgency-hit Mozambique

Twice a week, dozens of Mozambican children gather under the shade of a mango tree for what looks at first glance like a community play date. But they are not there for fun, rather for solace and healing after witnessing shocking atrocities committed by jihadists in the north of the country over the past three years.

Sketching out trauma: art, puppets heal children of Mozambique conflict

South Africa will press for urgent military action by regional body SADC to quell an Islamist insurgency in&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;threatening to destabilize neighbouring countries, the foreign minister said on Friday.

It will make this call at a summit of the Southern African Development Community's 16 member states next week, Naledi Pandor told Reuters in a telephone interview.

SADC leaders have been discussing how to tackle the insurgency by Islamic State-linked militants, with an option for force, but this is the first time South Africa has explicitly thrown its weight behind the idea of military intervention.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/total-halts-mozambique-gas-project-after-attacks-380588">Total halts Mozambique gas project after attacks</a>&nbsp;

Since 2008, SADC has had provision for a standby brigade, part of a regional defence pact that allows military intervention to prevent the spread of conflict.

"We support the use of the defence pact. It's never been really been utilised in the region, but we believe this is the time, this is a threat to the region," Pandor told Reuters.

A spokesman for the&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;government could not immediately be reached for comment.&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;has been hesitant about foreign involvement in the past, but last month President Filipe Nyusi said his country needed help from outside powers, so long as they did not replace Mozambican forces.

Thousands Misplaced

Mozambique, which borders South Africa to the south, has struggled to contain the violence in its northern-most province of Cabo Delgado. Some 52,000 people were displaced in the latest bout in Palma district from March.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sadc-vows-proportionate-response-to-mozambiques-jihadists-376468">SADC vows 'proportionate' response to Mozambique's jihadists</a>

The World Health Organisation said on Friday that more than 1.2 million people need urgent health assistance in Cabo Delgado, after recurrent attacks started in 2017.

Analysts suggest the insurgency has its roots in poverty and unemployment afflicting&nbsp;Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries, making recruitment easier among communities not benefiting from new mining or petroleum projects.

The militants have stepped up violence in the past year with more sophisticated attacks, delaying construction of a new $20 billion liquefied natural gas project run by French oil major, Total that declared force majeure on the new build.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-total-shuts-gas-plant-after-mozambique-attacks-sources-say-375119">France's Total shuts gas plant after Mozambique attacks, sources say</a>

"It is the SADC standby force that we want to come into play," the minister said, adding that they would want all members states to contribute troops to avoid a similar situation that occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where only a few countries, including South Africa, sent soldiers.

Speaking ahead of the summit provisionally set for May 25-28 in Botswana's capital Gabarone, Pandor said SADC must lead the process and will determine the nature and conditions of support from external sources, such as the European Union or&nbsp;Mozambique's former colonial ruler Portugal.

"We have had our colleagues, for example in Nigeria, saying: 'don't allow this to get out of hand because once it does it is uncontrollable and very difficult to reverse'. So, that is why we believe it is urgently necessary that we have action," Pandor said.

South Africa will press for urgent military action by regional body SADC to quell an Islamist insurgency in Mozambique threatening to destabilize neighbouring countries, the foreign minister said on Friday.

South Africa will press for urgent military action by regional body SADC to quell an Islamist insurgency in Mozambique threatening to destabilize neighbouring countries, the foreign minister said on Friday. It will make this call at a summit of the Southern African Development Community's 16 member states next week, Naledi Pandor told Reuters in a telephone interview. SADC leaders have been discussing how to tackle the insurgency by Islamic State-linked militants, with an option for force, but this is the first time South Africa has explicitly thrown its weight behind the idea of military intervention. Also Read | Total halts Mozambique gas project after attacks Since 2008, SADC has had provision for a standby brigade, part of a regional defence pact that allows military intervention to prevent the spread of conflict. "We support the use of the defence pact. It's never been really been utilised in the region, but we believe this is the time, this is a threat to the region," Pandor told Reuters. A spokesman for the Mozambique government could not immediately be reached for comment. Mozambique has been hesitant about foreign involvement in the past, but last month President Filipe Nyusi said his country needed help from outside powers, so long as they did not replace Mozambican forces. Thousands Misplaced Mozambique, which borders South Africa to the south, has struggled to contain the violence in its northern-most province of Cabo Delgado. Some 52,000 people were displaced in the latest bout in Palma district from March. Also Read | SADC vows 'proportionate' response to Mozambique's jihadists The World Health Organisation said on Friday that more than 1.2 million people need urgent health assistance in Cabo Delgado, after recurrent attacks started in 2017. Analysts suggest the insurgency has its roots in poverty and unemployment afflicting Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries, making recruitment easier among communities not benefiting from new mining or petroleum projects. The militants have stepped up violence in the past year with more sophisticated attacks, delaying construction of a new $20 billion liquefied natural gas project run by French oil major, Total that declared force majeure on the new build. Also Read | France's Total shuts gas plant after Mozambique attacks, sources say "It is the SADC standby force that we want to come into play," the minister said, adding that they would want all members states to contribute troops to avoid a similar situation that occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where only a few countries, including South Africa, sent soldiers. Speaking ahead of the summit provisionally set for May 25-28 in Botswana's capital Gabarone, Pandor said SADC must lead the process and will determine the nature and conditions of support from external sources, such as the European Union or Mozambique's former colonial ruler Portugal. "We have had our colleagues, for example in Nigeria, saying: 'don't allow this to get out of hand because once it does it is uncontrollable and very difficult to reverse'. So, that is why we believe it is urgently necessary that we have action," Pandor said.

South Africa to push for military action against Mozambique insurgents

French energy giant Total on Monday confirmed it is suspending work on a massive $20 billion gas project in northern Mozambique following the latest jihadist assault on a nearby town last month.&nbsp;

Total removed its remaining staff from the Afungi peninsula natural gas site after a jihadist raid in the nearby town of Palma on March 24 left dozens of people dead.&nbsp;

It had already evacuated some workers and suspended construction in January following a series of jihadist attacks nearby..&nbsp;

"In the current environment, Total can no longer operate in the Cabo Delgado province in a safe and efficient manner," a Total spokeswoman told AFP.&nbsp;

"All project personnel have been removed from the site and will not return until conditions allow," the spokeswoman added, saying "it is too early to provide an updated project schedule".&nbsp;

Total also said on Monday that it was declaring a "force majeure" situation beyond its control, a legal concept meaning it can suspend fulfilling contractual obligations.&nbsp;

The declaration "will remain in effect until the Government of Mozambique has restored security and stability in the province... in a verifiable and sustainable manner," the company added -- although it "remains committed to Mozambique and to the development" at Afungi.&nbsp;

A military source told AFP earlier this month that Total evacuated all of its staff after drone surveillance showed insurgents were in areas "very close" to the gas plant.&nbsp;

Last week, the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) said Total had already suspended contracts with a series of businesses indirectly involved in the gas project.&nbsp;

The National Petroleum Institute (INP), a Mozambique government body that governs energy projects, said on Monday that Total "may not fulfil contractual obligations and could suspend or cancel further contracts, depending how long the halt (to construction) lasts."&nbsp;

Nevertheless, "Total hasn't abandoned the project," INP chief Carlos Zacarias told reporters in capital Maputo, adding that "the main contracts between Total and its major contractors remain in force".&nbsp;

Gas-rich Cabo Delgado has been battered by a bloody jihadist insurgency since 2017 by a group known locally as al-Shabab.&nbsp;

The violence has killed at least 2,600 people according to NGO Acled, while Maputo said last week that more than 700,000 have been displaced.&nbsp;

Its scale raised doubts over the viability of the biggest single investment in Africa even before the latest raid.&nbsp;

March's attack on Palma took place just 10 kilometres (six miles) from the gas project's nerve centre, despite a government commitment to set up a 25-kilometre security radius around the site.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people, including many foreign workers, were evacuated by air and sea while thousands of locals walked to nearby districts.&nbsp;

French energy giant Total on Monday confirmed it is suspending work on a massive $20 billion gas project in northern Mozambique following the latest jihadist assault on a nearby town last month.

French energy giant Total on Monday confirmed it is suspending work on a massive $20 billion gas project in northern Mozambique following the latest jihadist assault on a nearby town last month. Total removed its remaining staff from the Afungi peninsula natural gas site after a jihadist raid in the nearby town of Palma on March 24 left dozens of people dead. It had already evacuated some workers and suspended construction in January following a series of jihadist attacks nearby.. "In the current environment, Total can no longer operate in the Cabo Delgado province in a safe and efficient manner," a Total spokeswoman told AFP. "All project personnel have been removed from the site and will not return until conditions allow," the spokeswoman added, saying "it is too early to provide an updated project schedule". Total also said on Monday that it was declaring a "force majeure" situation beyond its control, a legal concept meaning it can suspend fulfilling contractual obligations. The declaration "will remain in effect until the Government of Mozambique has restored security and stability in the province... in a verifiable and sustainable manner," the company added -- although it "remains committed to Mozambique and to the development" at Afungi. A military source told AFP earlier this month that Total evacuated all of its staff after drone surveillance showed insurgents were in areas "very close" to the gas plant. Last week, the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) said Total had already suspended contracts with a series of businesses indirectly involved in the gas project. The National Petroleum Institute (INP), a Mozambique government body that governs energy projects, said on Monday that Total "may not fulfil contractual obligations and could suspend or cancel further contracts, depending how long the halt (to construction) lasts." Nevertheless, "Total hasn't abandoned the project," INP chief Carlos Zacarias told reporters in capital Maputo, adding that "the main contracts between Total and its major contractors remain in force". Gas-rich Cabo Delgado has been battered by a bloody jihadist insurgency since 2017 by a group known locally as al-Shabab. The violence has killed at least 2,600 people according to NGO Acled, while Maputo said last week that more than 700,000 have been displaced. Its scale raised doubts over the viability of the biggest single investment in Africa even before the latest raid. March's attack on Palma took place just 10 kilometres (six miles) from the gas project's nerve centre, despite a government commitment to set up a 25-kilometre security radius around the site. Hundreds of people, including many foreign workers, were evacuated by air and sea while thousands of locals walked to nearby districts.

Total halts Mozambique gas project after attacks 

Almost one million people are facing severe hunger in northern Mozambique where hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee a jihadist insurgency, the UN&nbsp;food agency said on Tuesday.

"As the security situation continues to deteriorate, more than 950,000 people in the north of Mozambique are now facing severe hunger," Tomson Phiri, a spokesman for the World Food Programme, told a briefing in Geneva.

Islamic State-linked militants have escalated attacks in Mozambique's northernmost province Cabo Delgado in the past year, murdering villagers, fighting the army and seizing towns.

Almost one million people are facing severe hunger in northern Mozambique where hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee a jihadist insurgency, the UN food agency said on Tuesday.

Almost one million people are facing severe hunger in northern Mozambique where hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee a jihadist insurgency, the UN food agency said on Tuesday. "As the security situation continues to deteriorate, more than 950,000 people in the north of Mozambique are now facing severe hunger," Tomson Phiri, a spokesman for the World Food Programme, told a briefing in Geneva. Islamic State-linked militants have escalated attacks in Mozambique's northernmost province Cabo Delgado in the past year, murdering villagers, fighting the army and seizing towns.

UN food agency says nearly 1 million going hungry in Mozambique

Mozambique armed forces found beheaded victims after retaking the coastal city of Palma. Is a Southern African military intervention the only way to stave off an Islamist insurgency?

Gravitas: Mozambique army retakes Palma, finds beheaded victims

Southern Africa's regional bloc on Thursday vowed a "proportionate" response to jihadists who last month raided a key town in northern&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;in a sharp escalation of a three-year-old insurgency.

Six presidents from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held emergency talks in the Mozambican capital Maputo, two weeks after the attack on the town of Palma left dozens dead and forced thousands from their homes.

The summit "affirmed that such heinous attacks cannot be allowed to continue without a proportionate regional response", the bloc said in a statement.&nbsp;

The 16-member grouping said it was committed to contributing towards efforts to restore peace in the area but did not specify what support it was offering.&nbsp;

It said a "technical" team would immediately be deployed to Maputo, without giving details of the tasks of the panel nor its composition.

Speaking to the media after the deliberations, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the Summit, "had agreed that the SADC Force should be resuscitated and capacitated immediately so that it can intervene".

Leaders of&nbsp;Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe attended the meeting.&nbsp;

Mozambique&nbsp;President Filipe Nyusi on Wednesday said the insurgents had been forced out of Palma and that his government was "evaluating" its needs for external support.

"It is not about empty pride, it is about a sense of sovereignty," he said.

"No war is won if it is not clear from the start what must be done by our country and what must be done by the allies." &nbsp;

Southern Africa had enjoyed relative stability compared to other regions in recent years until insurgents started battering&nbsp;Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province.

In a coordinated attack, insurgents seized Palma, a port that lies close to a multi-billion-dollar liquid natural gas (LNG) project viewed as crucial for the Mozambican economy.

The assault claimed dozens of lives, according to the authorities, while the UN says more than 11,000 were forced to flee. Total, the French energy giant behind the LNG project, has withdrawn its personnel from the site.

Known locally as Al-Shabaab -- but with no known relation to the Somali group of the same name -- Cabo Delgado's jihadists have launched more than 800 raids on towns and villages in an apparent bid to establish an Islamic caliphate.

The violence has killed over 2,600 people and uprooted around three-quarters of a million others, according to estimates.

Southern Africa's regional bloc on Thursday vowed a "proportionate" response to jihadists who last month raided a key town in northern Mozambique in a sharp escalation of a three-year-old insurgency.

Southern Africa's regional bloc on Thursday vowed a "proportionate" response to jihadists who last month raided a key town in northern Mozambique in a sharp escalation of a three-year-old insurgency. Six presidents from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held emergency talks in the Mozambican capital Maputo, two weeks after the attack on the town of Palma left dozens dead and forced thousands from their homes. The summit "affirmed that such heinous attacks cannot be allowed to continue without a proportionate regional response", the bloc said in a statement. The 16-member grouping said it was committed to contributing towards efforts to restore peace in the area but did not specify what support it was offering. It said a "technical" team would immediately be deployed to Maputo, without giving details of the tasks of the panel nor its composition. Speaking to the media after the deliberations, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the Summit, "had agreed that the SADC Force should be resuscitated and capacitated immediately so that it can intervene". Leaders of Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe attended the meeting. Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi on Wednesday said the insurgents had been forced out of Palma and that his government was "evaluating" its needs for external support. "It is not about empty pride, it is about a sense of sovereignty," he said. "No war is won if it is not clear from the start what must be done by our country and what must be done by the allies." Southern Africa had enjoyed relative stability compared to other regions in recent years until insurgents started battering Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province. In a coordinated attack, insurgents seized Palma, a port that lies close to a multi-billion-dollar liquid natural gas (LNG) project viewed as crucial for the Mozambican economy. The assault claimed dozens of lives, according to the authorities, while the UN says more than 11,000 were forced to flee. Total, the French energy giant behind the LNG project, has withdrawn its personnel from the site. Known locally as Al-Shabaab -- but with no known relation to the Somali group of the same name -- Cabo Delgado's jihadists have launched more than 800 raids on towns and villages in an apparent bid to establish an Islamic caliphate. The violence has killed over 2,600 people and uprooted around three-quarters of a million others, according to estimates.

SADC vows 'proportionate' response to Mozambique's jihadists

The town in northern&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;that Islamic State-linked insurgents attacked late last month is now secure after the military killed a significant number of militants and cleared one final area, an army spokesman and a provincial official said.

"We have completed the clearing (of the town). It was the only sensitive area that we needed to clear. ... It is completely safe," army spokesman Chongo Vidigal said in comments broadcast by state TV channel TVM late on Sunday.

Armindo Ngunga, secretary of state for the Cabo Delgado province, told Reuters on Monday that the town of Palma was "under the control of the state".

"There was significant loss of human life, infrastructure destroyed. But people are safe now," Ngunga added.

Insurgents on March 24 attacked the coastal town of Palma, near natural gas projects worth $60 billion that are meant to transform&nbsp;Mozambique's economy.&nbsp;Mozambique's government says dozens died in the assault, and security sources say clashes continued outside the town as recently as Friday.

Reuters has not been able to verify the accounts from Palma independently. Most means of communication with the town were cut off after the attack began.

Footage taken by TVM in Palma showed a soldier covering a body lying in the street and burned buildings.

Vidigal said the facilities of French energy company Total near Palma were being protected, after sources told Reuters on Friday that Total had withdrawn all its staff as the militants appeared to be approaching.

A Total spokesman and&nbsp;Mozambique's defence ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday.

Islamic State-linked insurgents have been increasingly active in Cabo Delgado since 2017, although it is unclear whether they have a unified aim.

Aid groups believe the latest attack displaced tens of thousands of people, many of whom fled into dense forest or escaped by boat. But the extent of the death and displacement is not yet clear, and many remain unaccounted for.

Survivors have recounted seeing bodies of others who died of hunger or dehydration while trying to escape.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The town in northern Mozambique that Islamic State-linked insurgents attacked late last month is now secure after the military killed a significant number of militants and cleared one final area, an army spokesman and a provincial official said.

The town in northern Mozambique that Islamic State-linked insurgents attacked late last month is now secure after the military killed a significant number of militants and cleared one final area, an army spokesman and a provincial official said. "We have completed the clearing (of the town). It was the only sensitive area that we needed to clear. ... It is completely safe," army spokesman Chongo Vidigal said in comments broadcast by state TV channel TVM late on Sunday. Armindo Ngunga, secretary of state for the Cabo Delgado province, told Reuters on Monday that the town of Palma was "under the control of the state". "There was significant loss of human life, infrastructure destroyed. But people are safe now," Ngunga added. Insurgents on March 24 attacked the coastal town of Palma, near natural gas projects worth $60 billion that are meant to transform Mozambique's economy. Mozambique's government says dozens died in the assault, and security sources say clashes continued outside the town as recently as Friday. Reuters has not been able to verify the accounts from Palma independently. Most means of communication with the town were cut off after the attack began. Footage taken by TVM in Palma showed a soldier covering a body lying in the street and burned buildings. Vidigal said the facilities of French energy company Total near Palma were being protected, after sources told Reuters on Friday that Total had withdrawn all its staff as the militants appeared to be approaching. A Total spokesman and Mozambique's defence ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday. Islamic State-linked insurgents have been increasingly active in Cabo Delgado since 2017, although it is unclear whether they have a unified aim. Aid groups believe the latest attack displaced tens of thousands of people, many of whom fled into dense forest or escaped by boat. But the extent of the death and displacement is not yet clear, and many remain unaccounted for. Survivors have recounted seeing bodies of others who died of hunger or dehydration while trying to escape. (With inputs from agencies)

Mozambique army says town attacked by insurgents is now secure

It took the world 5 years, numerous lives, and a coalition of over 80 countries to defeat the Islamic State in Syria. The terror group is now capturing another country.

Gravitas: What's happening in Mozambique?

More than a week after jihadists staged a deadly raid on the northern Mozambican town of Palma, survivors on Thursday streamed into the port of Pemba, capital of gas-rich Cabo Delgado province.

Scores of relatives huddled outside the port, straining to spot family members disembarking from boats arriving from Palma, some 200 kilometres (120 miles) away.

More than 8,000 were displaced, dozens killed and many more are still missing following a coordinated attack on the town of Palma on March 24.

The jihadists reportedly beheaded residents and ransacked buildings in a rampage that forced thousands to seek safety in surrounding forests.

The attack is seen as the biggest escalation of the Islamist insurgency ravaging Cabo Delgado province since 2017.

On fishing boats or on foot, thousands of survivors fled the city of 75,000 inhabitants -- more than 40,000 of whom had already been displaced from their original homes and were living in Palma.

Hundreds more were still arriving in Pemba, the UN said on Thursday.

There is "no sense of normalcy returning, unfortunately," the UN refugee agency's Juliana Ghazi told AFP in Johannesburg from Pemba on Thursday.

A woman wearing a blue denim pinafore and pink face mask sat on the ground at the port, with a vacant stare, one hand clutching a fence, waiting for her son.

Another woman consoled her as she broke down in sobs.

A ferry carrying almost 1,200 passengers, mainly women and children, had docked at the port overnight.

The most vulnerable escapees including unaccompanied and injured children are being flown to the city -- the UN said nearly half of the 8,166 people who are registered as displaced are children.

'Utmost concern'

The attack launched last Wednesday was the latest in a string of more than 830 organised raids by the Islamist militants over the past three years, killing more than 2,689 and uprooting&nbsp;nearly 700,000.

A South African man was among those killed when a convoy of cars trying to evacuate survivors from a hotel was ambushed, his family said.

Britain's Times newspaper on Thursday reported that a Briton also died in the ambush and that his remains had been handed to the Special Air Services rescue team.

The defence ministry could not confirm or deny the death.

The African Union has called for urgent and coordinated international action to jointly address the "urgent threat to regional and continental peace and security". &nbsp;

In a statement, AU chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed "utmost concern" at the presence of international extremist groups in southern Africa, calling for an "urgent and coordinated regional and international action".

The regional Southern African Development Community (SADC) held emergency talks in Harare on Wednesday to discuss the violence.

"This has heightened insecurity in the area, leading to a serious humanitarian crisis," the SADC chair, Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi, said in a statement on Thursday.

"It is our fervent hope that the perpetrators will be quickly arrested and brought to justice."&nbsp;

But&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;President Filipe Nyusi on Wednesday played down the attack as "not the biggest", despite its unprecedented proximity to Africa's single biggest investment project.

French oil giant Total and other international companies have invested in a multi-billion-dollar gas exploration scheme off the Afungi peninsula, around 10 kilometres (six miles) away from Palma.

Total had already evacuated some staff and suspended construction work in late December following a series of jihadist attacks near its compound.

In Afungi, army commander Chongo Vidigal said the gas project was "protected".

"We are currently in the special area in Afungi and never had a terrorism threat," he said. &nbsp;

The aid-dependent country has sent troops to Palma to try and recapture the town.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;Mozambique's former colonial master Portugal announced plans to send around 60 troops to back them up. &nbsp;

Cabo Delgado's jihadists have wreaked havoc across the province with the aim of establishing a caliphate.

The insurgents are affiliated with the Islamic State group, which claimed the attack on Palma this week.

More than a week after jihadists staged a deadly raid on the northern Mozambican town of Palma, survivors on Thursday streamed into the port of Pemba, capital of gas-rich Cabo Delgado province.

More than a week after jihadists staged a deadly raid on the northern Mozambican town of Palma, survivors on Thursday streamed into the port of Pemba, capital of gas-rich Cabo Delgado province. Scores of relatives huddled outside the port, straining to spot family members disembarking from boats arriving from Palma, some 200 kilometres (120 miles) away. More than 8,000 were displaced, dozens killed and many more are still missing following a coordinated attack on the town of Palma on March 24. The jihadists reportedly beheaded residents and ransacked buildings in a rampage that forced thousands to seek safety in surrounding forests. The attack is seen as the biggest escalation of the Islamist insurgency ravaging Cabo Delgado province since 2017. On fishing boats or on foot, thousands of survivors fled the city of 75,000 inhabitants -- more than 40,000 of whom had already been displaced from their original homes and were living in Palma. Hundreds more were still arriving in Pemba, the UN said on Thursday. There is "no sense of normalcy returning, unfortunately," the UN refugee agency's Juliana Ghazi told AFP in Johannesburg from Pemba on Thursday. A woman wearing a blue denim pinafore and pink face mask sat on the ground at the port, with a vacant stare, one hand clutching a fence, waiting for her son. Another woman consoled her as she broke down in sobs. A ferry carrying almost 1,200 passengers, mainly women and children, had docked at the port overnight. The most vulnerable escapees including unaccompanied and injured children are being flown to the city -- the UN said nearly half of the 8,166 people who are registered as displaced are children. 'Utmost concern' The attack launched last Wednesday was the latest in a string of more than 830 organised raids by the Islamist militants over the past three years, killing more than 2,689 and uprooting nearly 700,000. A South African man was among those killed when a convoy of cars trying to evacuate survivors from a hotel was ambushed, his family said. Britain's Times newspaper on Thursday reported that a Briton also died in the ambush and that his remains had been handed to the Special Air Services rescue team. The defence ministry could not confirm or deny the death. The African Union has called for urgent and coordinated international action to jointly address the "urgent threat to regional and continental peace and security". In a statement, AU chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed "utmost concern" at the presence of international extremist groups in southern Africa, calling for an "urgent and coordinated regional and international action". The regional Southern African Development Community (SADC) held emergency talks in Harare on Wednesday to discuss the violence. "This has heightened insecurity in the area, leading to a serious humanitarian crisis," the SADC chair, Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi, said in a statement on Thursday. "It is our fervent hope that the perpetrators will be quickly arrested and brought to justice." But Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi on Wednesday played down the attack as "not the biggest", despite its unprecedented proximity to Africa's single biggest investment project. French oil giant Total and other international companies have invested in a multi-billion-dollar gas exploration scheme off the Afungi peninsula, around 10 kilometres (six miles) away from Palma. Total had already evacuated some staff and suspended construction work in late December following a series of jihadist attacks near its compound. In Afungi, army commander Chongo Vidigal said the gas project was "protected". "We are currently in the special area in Afungi and never had a terrorism threat," he said. The aid-dependent country has sent troops to Palma to try and recapture the town. On Tuesday, Mozambique's former colonial master Portugal announced plans to send around 60 troops to back them up. Cabo Delgado's jihadists have wreaked havoc across the province with the aim of establishing a caliphate. The insurgents are affiliated with the Islamic State group, which claimed the attack on Palma this week.

Survivors from Mozambique attack stream into Pemba safe haven

mozambique

Mozambique, News on Mozambique, stories on Mozambique, articles on Mozambique, Mozambique stories at Wion, Mozambique news, Mozambique latest news