The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that violence in Cabo Delgado province, in northern Mozambique, is set to reach a record level this year, with over 500 attacks recorded by the end of August. The escalating situation has led Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) to suspend activities in Mocímboa da Praia due to security concerns.
In a report released on Wednesday, October 1, by Lusa, the agency explained that the attacks involve improvised explosive devices and are orchestrated by non-state armed groups targeting civilians. Humanitarian organizations operating in the region report that 20,181 people, including more than 10,000 children, have been displaced since August.
“Civilian violence is on track to reach a record in 2025, with 519 attacks reported by the end of August, compared to 448 in 2022. However, the number could be higher, as there are additional displacements not yet recorded, and many people remain in their communities, fleeing to the bush and returning home when security permits, or seeking refuge in other communities,” the report described.
The international agency added that there are also affected individuals remaining in communities, many of whom had been displaced previously and returned to their areas of origin, as humanitarian aid provision has decreased “significantly” in displacement areas, mainly in southern Cabo Delgado.
“Partners are providing assistance to displaced populations in Mueda, Muidumbe, Ancuabe, Balama, and Montepuez through the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) led by NGOs, but many districts remain unsupported. More flexible funding is needed,” the document added.
The UN agency also reported that “in Nampula province, on September 25, the Defense and Security Forces intercepted an armed group in Eráti district, arresting one member. In retaliation, the same group reportedly killed a civilian, whose body was found along the Lúrio River. Attacks in Membana on Friday, September 26, resulted in multiple kidnappings and the burning of houses and public infrastructure, including a school and a health center in Pavala community.”
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Niassa, the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of a couple in Marrupa district on September 22, with the woman later released.
Since October 2017, Cabo Delgado—a province rich in natural resources, particularly gas—has been the site of an armed insurgency that has already caused thousands of deaths and triggered a humanitarian crisis with over one million internally displaced persons.
In April, attacks also spread to the neighboring Niassa province. One of the most severe incidents occurred at the Niassa Reserve and the Mariri Environmental Center in Mecula district, where non-state armed groups attacked facilities, stole goods, destroyed camps, and a park aircraft. These acts resulted in the death of at least two people and the displacement of more than 2,000 individuals, 55% of whom are children.
Source: Diário Económico
