This "return," which suggests relative tranquility "hides continued displacement in the eastern districts of Cabo Delgado, from Palma in the north to Ancuabe and Chiure in the south, which have been rocked by attacks in recent weeks."

The terrorist resurgence in Cabo Delgado province caused the flight of 11,737 people from their areas of origin between June 2 and 12, according to a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). These people are taking refuge in the southern districts of the province, which are already becoming targets of attacks.

This occurred at a time when the government was spreading the information of control of the largest of the previously devastated areas controlled by Islamic State (IS) terrorists.

Recent attacks in Ancuabe district have reactivated terror among the local and nearby populations. People fled, including the local administrator, Lucia Namashulua. She was later forced by her superiors to return to the house she had abandoned following the attacks. The state media also reported the return of the population, motivated by the reestablishment of order by the Military Mission of the Southern African Development Community in Mozambique (SAMIM).

Not only Ancuabe saw the return of the "owners of the land", but also Mocimboa da Praia. Last week, 123 displaced people from Quitunda, in Palma district, returned to Mocímboa da Praia.

MZNews source says that this "return", which suggests relative tranquility "hides continued displacement in the eastern districts of Cabo Delgado, from Palma in the north to Ancuabe and Chiúre in the south, which have been rocked by attacks in recent weeks." The abandonment of these areas is due to the persistence of conflicts throughout the province and limited public services, so the return, Mocímboa da Praia and other areas "is not guaranteed."

There are thousands of people who fled Mocímboa da Praia and Palma living in a resettlement center in the Afungi peninsula. The state expects a total of 3,556 people to return to Mocímboa. "It is unclear whether conditions are still adequate or whether this projected level of return will be possible," and although there is already water and electricity there is no commerce, the source writes.

These people are in an essential area for TotalEnergies to continue developing the natural gas exploration project. The multinational wants to remove the people, but for now, "it is not complacent about the security situation in the community at large."

Just last month, the Mocímboa da Praia municipality even threatened the public employees to return by May 15.

"With Mozambican, Rwandan and SADC forces stretched by events to the south [Ancuabe, Chiúre and Mazeze], both Palma and Mocímboa da Praia could be exposed."

"The fear and flight caused by the insurgents' actions in the southern districts over the last fortnight underscore the need for caution about the returns advised by President Nyusi in the last week of May. The ultimate success of high profile but very modest returns, as seen from Palma to Mocímboa da Praia last week, depends on the broader security situation. As we have seen in the last two weeks, that can change quickly," it reads.