An armed attack carried out by a group of Islamist terrorists in Chiúre Velho administrative post, in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, has resulted in the displacement of at least 11,980 people, according to preliminary data from local authorities, reported on Monday, July 28 by the Mozambique Information Agency (AIM).
The incident occurred last Thursday (July 24), and the counting of displaced persons began on Saturday (July 26), as confirmed by Fernando Ticho, Chiúre district’s permanent secretary, during a visit by Cabo Delgado’s provincial governor, Valige Tauabo, to local accommodation centers.
Despite the severity of the situation, Ticho assured that it is “already under control” and that efforts are being made to ensure the delivery of basic food supplies to displaced populations in order to minimize the immediate impact of the humanitarian crisis.
However, according to the Carta de Moçambique news portal, citing local sources, some armed elements continue to roam parts of the district. In addition to Chiúre Velho, residents on Sunday, July 27, reported the presence of armed men in villages within the Ocua administrative post.
The rising insecurity has forced several families to flee their homes on Sunday, seeking refuge in the Chiúre district headquarters. Witnesses and local authorities confirmed that the insurgents set fire to a health unit, a police post, and a vehicle.
A source from a humanitarian organization revealed that, by Friday (July 25), around 5,000 families had already been received at the Namissir accommodation center, in the town of Chiúre. However, the displaced population remains without immediate humanitarian aid, especially in terms of food and medical assistance.
Source: Diário Económico
