– Widespread poverty, turmoil –
Mozambique is one of the world’s poorest nations, according to the International Monetary Fund, and since its 16-year civil war ended in 1992 its population has suffered the consequences of a terrible economic crisis.
The government recently increased the price of fuel, after the value of the local currency — named metical — sunk against the dollar.
The southeast African nation is also undergoing a new political crisis, triggered by the former rebels’ decision in 2013 to return to arms in order to push for a power-sharing deal with the government.
The current unrest has pitted the so-called RENAMO rebel force against government troops in the centre and the west of the country.
Among the provinces affected by the violence has been Tete, where Thursday’s blast occurred, pushing thousands of people to flee across the border to neighbouring Malawi this year.
While many have returned, around 2,500 refugees from Mozambique still reside in Malawi, the UN refugee agency says.
Tete province was also hit by another tragedy in January 2015, when 75 people died from intoxication after drinking traditional beer.
(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:tamil.oneindia.com)
