The ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado province, northern Mozambique, has intensified in recent months, causing further displacement and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. A surge of attacks between June 2nd and 9th, 2023, in the Ancuabe district alone displaced nearly 10,000 people, with reports of beheadings and other atrocities. These attacks, characterized by killings, rapes, abductions, and the kidnapping of boys, have severely hampered humanitarian operations supporting previously displaced families.
In response to this renewed wave of displacement, the Secretariat of State of Cabo Delgado is considering reopening the Desportivo Transit Center in Pemba, which previously served as a refuge for displaced persons. Brechtje van Lith, Country Director for Save the Children in Mozambique, emphasized the devastating impact on children, stating, “Violence continues, despite efforts to bring peace to Cabo Delgado. These children were only getting their lives back together, and now they are again forced to flee with just the clothes on their backs, seeking refuge with their families in transit centers in Pemba and the neighboring districts.” The renewed attacks have forced humanitarian organizations to refocus their efforts on addressing the urgent needs of children and families in their current locations.
The conflict in Cabo Delgado began in October 2017 with attacks by an Islamic extremist armed group, Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama, targeting civilians. The group is known for exploiting local grievances, economic instability, and extremist ideology to further its agenda. Since then, over 735,000 people have fled their homes. While the violence is attributed to Islamist extremists, many residents, like Gildo Muntanga, a displaced villager, express confusion about the motives behind the attacks: “We don’t know what they want,” he said. “We just see them killing people.”
The UN has reported a dramatic escalation in militant activity in recent years, including attacks on public transportation, village burnings, and ambushes on Mozambican soldiers. These attacks have continued into 2023, destabilizing the province and spilling over into neighboring Niassa and Nampula provinces. The group’s activities are concentrated along the Cabo Delgado coast, from Pemba city to the Tanzanian border.
The government’s response to the insurgency has also been criticized for human rights violations and abuses. Reports indicate that government forces have detained journalists covering the conflict and subjected civilians suspected of supporting the armed group to searches, looting, and arbitrary detention. Amnesty International has called attention to these abuses, urging for more accountability and protection of civilians.
The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Cabo Delgado has risen dramatically. Between April 2020 and April 2021, the number of IDPs increased from 172,000 to over 732,000, with approximately 45% being children. Increased violence against civilians, including killings, beheadings, and kidnappings, has been reported since 2020. An estimated 1.3 million people across the three affected provinces require humanitarian assistance and protection, with urgent needs including food, shelter, health care, and protection. Organizations like UNHCR and the International Red Cross have been working to provide basic needs and protection, but resources remain stretched.
Recent attacks in Meluco and southern Macomia districts have further compounded the crisis. Since mid-January 2024, at least 2,800 homes have been destroyed, and around 14,000 people have been displaced, seeking refuge in Macomia town, Mitambo, Ancuabe, Nanjua, and Maua villages. Many are left without shelter, food, or access to medical care. Humanitarian organizations are working to provide emergency shelter, food distribution, and medical support, though the challenges are immense.
The conflict has further disrupted education and healthcare services, with many schools and healthcare facilities destroyed or abandoned. Children, who make up nearly half of the displaced population, have been especially affected, with many facing interrupted education and psychological trauma.
In response, humanitarian organizations like Save the Children are working to provide safe spaces for children and families, offering psychological support, educational opportunities, and essential services. Save the Children has reached over 500,000 children with life-saving aid in the past year, but with the recent escalation, the need is growing.
The international community’s support is crucial in alleviating the suffering of those displaced and affected by this conflict. Diplomatic pressure on both the Mozambican government and the insurgent group, alongside a more robust humanitarian response, is needed to bring about stability and security in the region.
