Dozens of Civilians Killed, Beheaded, Littering Streets as Rebels Fight for Control of Palma

A Dyck Advisory Group helicopter lands in Palma, Mozambique in this picture taken between March 24 and March 27, 2021 and obtained by Reuters on March 30, 2021. Dyck Advisory Group/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT.

Palma, the site of work of the French energy company Total, has been the rebels’ target. Earlier attacks led to suspension of work by Total to extract gas from offshore site. When Total announced it would resume work, the attacks in Palma started again. The Mozambican army has been fighting the rebels in several locations to regain control of Palma.

Total’s gas project is one of Africa’s biggest private investments having paid nearly $4 billion for a 26.59 stake in the project in 2019. It’s goal to begin gas shipment in 2024 is in question considering the deteriorating security situation.

Ella Breedlove