About nine thousand people forced to abandon their areas of origin have already returned to the town of Mocímboa da Praia, in Cabo Delgado province, according to the permanent secretary of the district.

The source believes that the current secure environment and the gradual restoration of social services are factors in attracting populations.

"All the villages already have populations," explained João Saraiva, quoted today by Radio Mozambique.

According to Saraiva, the return of the people is being monitored by the Defense and Security Forces authorities to avoid possible infiltration of the returning groups by terrorists.

"The populations are collaborating with the government. They are making denunciations and are also handing over to the authorities some explosive devices that they find in their residences," added João Saraiva.

After more than a year dominated by rebels, the town has been looted and almost all public and private infrastructure has been destroyed, as well as power, water, communications and hospital systems.