Nearly 60,000 people displaced due to intense fighting in northern Mozambique, according to recent reports.
In recent weeks, escalating violence in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, has resulted in the displacement of nearly 60,000 individuals, as reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This alarming figure reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the region amid a long-term conflict involving insurgents affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The IOM detailed that the displacement began in earnest on July 20, impacting approximately 57,034 people, equating to 13,343 families. The Chiúre district has been particularly affected, with more than 42,000 people uprooted, of whom over half are children. Paola Emerson, head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Mozambique, indicated that to date, nearly 30,000 displaced individuals have benefited from food, water, shelter, and essential household items.
Despite these efforts, the need for assistance continues to rise, particularly given that international aid has experienced significant cuts from the United States and other donor nations. Emerson acknowledged the heightened humanitarian requirements, noting that the current support is insufficient to meet the growing needs. As it stands, the UN’s 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for Mozambique has only garnered 19 percent of the necessary funding, highlighting a worrying trend in humanitarian support.
The lack of safety, necessary documentation, and involuntary relocations contribute to complex protection issues for those affected. The armed conflict in Cabo Delgado has persisted for over eight years, primarily led by a local group referred to as al-Shabab. It is crucial to note that this group has no connection to the Somali militants of the same name. Rwandan troops have been deployed to bolster Mozambique’s capabilities in addressing this insurgency.
Despite the conflict’s toll—over 6,100 lives lost since its inception, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), with 364 fatalities reported last year—Cabo Delgado is also notable for its substantial offshore natural gas reserves. The ongoing violence paused operations at the billion gas project led by Total Energies in 2021, although the company expresses intentions to resume activities as circumstances improve.
While the conflict has raised serious concerns, reports indicate that the extremist group has reportedly increased the abduction of children for exploitation purposes. Such actions are condemned under international law, as they amount to war crimes. The plight of Cabo Delgado underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive international response to humanitarian crises and a renewed commitment to peace and stability in the region.
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