After nearly two years when its docks have stood empty, Mozambique’s Mocimboa da Praia port re-opened this week, signalling a return to normal in the conflict-ridden Cabo Delgado province.
A little over a year ago government forces drove insurgents out of the town, which was considered to be one of their last strongholds.
The port’s restoration comes at a critical time as Mozambique strives to become a major Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) exporter.
The port’s reopening was officiated by the Governor of Cabo Delgado Valige Taubo, with Mozambique’s TotalEnergies CEO Maxime Rabilloud also present.
During the ceremony on Tuesday, a cargo ship belonging to the Mozambique LNG project, which is operated by TotalEnergies, arrived at the port.
The vessel was carrying fuels, cars and other equipment for companies operating in the gas hub of Palma, approximately 80 kilometres north of Mocimboa da Praia port.
Located south of the Afungi Peninsula, the epicentre of Mozambique’s multibillion-dollar gas wealth, Mocimboa da Praia port, in the north of the country, is a critical link in the development of onshore LNG infrastructure in the area. TotalEnergies use the port for cargo deliveries to the Afungi site.
The port town of Mocimboa da Praia fell to radicals affiliated to Islamic State in 2020. It was re-captured last year following a successful counterinsurgency operation between Mozambican and Rwandan forces.
Recently, Mozambique Ports and Railways Authority announced it would rehabilitate the port infrastructure at Mocimboa.
It estimated the rehabilitation of the state infrastructure in at least seven districts affected by the armed conflict in Cabo Delgado would cost around US$9 million.
Most of this amount will be expended in Mocimboa da Praia, the most affected area by the violence.
