Around 773,000 Mozambicans could face food insecurity in the next five months, reveals a survey by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
The study points to violent extremism in the province of Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, and the increase in the magnitude and frequency of extreme events, including tropical storms, cyclones and floods driven by the arrival of the ‘La Niña’ phenomenon between November and April.
In addition, peace and security in Cabo Delgado deteriorated in the first half of 2024, following the withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community Military Mission to Mozambique (SAMIM) due to the expiry of its mandate.
The escalation, characterised by an increase and geographical spread of violence, left more than 160,000 displaced from January to July 2024, which represents an increase of 140% compared to the same period last year.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said that the situation in the five main hunger hotspots is catastrophic.
‘People are facing a situation of extreme food shortages and unprecedented hunger, fuelled by escalating conflicts, climate crises and economic shocks,’ he said.
For her part, the WFP’s executive director, Cindy McCain, advocates mobilising diplomatic solutions in conflicts and allowing humanitarian aid workers to act safely.
‘The time has come for world leaders to step up and work to reach the millions of people at risk of famine,’ she said.
Mozambique is on a list of countries of high concern along with countries such as Chad, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nigeria, Syria and Yemen.
Acute food insecurity is expected to increase in 22 countries and territories, with the Palestinian Territories, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali having the highest alert level. Conflict is identified as the main cause of hunger in the affected areas.
Source: AIM
