The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates that the new wave of terrorist attacks in Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique, has caused more than 58,000 displaced people in just over two weeks.
The document released by the IOM explains that the attacks that took place between 8 and 25 February, especially in the districts of Chiùre and Macomia, caused more than 54,000 and 2,600 displaced people respectively.
“Sporadic attacks and the fear of new attacks by armed groups in Macomia, Chiùre, Mecufi, Mocímboa da Praia and Muidumbe have already led to the flight of 15,400 families, totalling 71,600 people,” he describes.
IOM records show that the displacements were made by boat, bus and on foot.
In recent days, several terrorist attacks in the south of Cabo Delgado have caused deaths among the population of the villages in the Chiùre district, leading to people fleeing, some of whom are concentrated in the resettlement camps set up in three schools, but also in the homes of relatives.
Due to the new scenario, the French and British authorities have advised their citizens against travelling to some districts of that province, and have also warned against travelling to Nampula.
“All travel to the districts of Mueda, Nangade, Palma, Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Meluco, Macomia, Quissanga and Ibo in Cabo Delgado, and to Memba and Eráti in Nampula, is discouraged due to attacks by groups with links to Islamic extremism,” said the statement.
Cabo Delgado province has been facing terrorist attacks for more than six years, which led to a military response since July 2021, with support from Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community, liberating districts near the gas projects.
After a period of relative stability, new attacks and movements have been recorded in recent weeks, leading foreign entities to restrict travel to that part of the country.
