Mozambique turns to EU for support against insurgents

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MOZAMBIQUE has formally asked the European Union (EU) for support to battle Islamist militants in its gas-rich northern province of Cabo Delgado.

It has requested support in logistics and specialised training for its soldiers.

The southern African nation has been fighting the insurgents for three years with little success. At least 1,500 people have been killed and an estimated 250,000 have fled their homes.

The government has  allegedly lost control of three coastal districts.

Foreign Affairs Minister Veronica Macamo has written to Brussels requesting the support after the EU expressed its willingness to assist.

In the letter, Ms Macamo also asked for assistance in development programmes as a way of reducing the vulnerability of the locals, mainly young people, to the allure of joining the insurgents.

BBC