In recent news, Mozambique’s army has been engaged in a fierce battle against Islamist insurgents in the northern town of Macomia. President Filipe Nyusi addressed the nation via a televised speech, shedding light on the gravity of the situation.

Macomia, located in the gas-rich province of Cabo Delgado, has been a primary target for Islamic State-linked militants since 2017. Despite increased security measures, the frequency of attacks has risen sharply since the beginning of this year.

Reports from security sources suggest that hundreds of insurgents took part in the recent assault on Macomia. President Nyusi mentioned that the militants initially retreated after a 45-minute skirmish but soon regrouped and launched a second, more intense attack.

With the mandate of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) force set to expire in July, concerns about a security vacuum in Mozambique have escalated. As troops begin to withdraw, the vulnerability of the region becomes more apparent.

Further complicating the situation, Rwanda has also deployed its troops to aid in the fight against insurgency in Mozambique. The influx of displaced people has reached alarming numbers, with over 110,000 individuals forced to flee their homes due to escalating violence.

Rebuilding Amidst Chaos

Amidst all this chaos, efforts to restart major gas projects in the region are underway. French oil company TotalEnergies is working towards reviving a $20 billion liquefied natural gas terminal that was previously halted due to security concerns. Similarly, ExxonMobil, in partnership with Eni, is pushing forward with an LNG project in northern Mozambique.

Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing insurgency, there is a sense of optimism within the energy sector about the potential for growth and development in the region. As security measures improve and international support increases, Mozambique may soon see a resurgence in its gas industry.