French energy giant Total has suspended operations at a site exploring a major gas field in northern Mozambique weeks after Islamist militants attacked a nearby town.
The company said that it was withdrawing all its staff because of the “evolving” security situation.
Dozens of people were killed in the March raid in the town of Palma.
Total’s $20bn (£14.6bn) gas liquification plant is the largest foreign investment in Africa.
Its Afungi site is near Palma which has been repeatedly attacked by militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) group.
During the 24 March attack contract workers and locals sought refuge at the Amarula Palma Hotel and later recounted their harrowing experiences.
- Why Islamic State involvement in Mozambique is exaggerated
- Hungry, angry and fleeing horrors in Mozambique
- What’s driving the conflict in Mozambique?
- Is Mozambique the latest outpost of Islamic State?
The four-year insurgency in Cabo Delgado region has left more than 2,500 people dead and 700,000 displaced.
President Felipe Nyusi has promised to restore peace in the region.
Source: BBC
