Insecurity caused by armed groups in northern Mozambique has forced more than 12,000 families to flee their homes, particularly affecting the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. The figures come from the latest report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), covering the period from September 22 to October 6, according to Lusa.
According to the UN agency, 39,643 displacements were recorded, corresponding to 12,335 families, mostly from the districts of Balama, Mocímboa da Praia, Montepuez, and Chiúre in Cabo Delgado, as well as Memba district in the neighboring province of Nampula. The escalation of violence continues to force constant population movements in search of safety.
The surge in violence has displaced thousands across Cabo Delgado and Nampula, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in northern Mozambique.
In Nampula, recent attacks attributed to terrorist groups resulted in the destruction of 51 homes, one church, and two schools in the administrative posts of Lúrio and Chipene, within Memba district. The information was confirmed by district administrator Manuel Cintura, who cited September 30 and October 3 as the dates of the incidents. The current number of destroyed homes exceeds the initial tally of 45.
Although some residents are returning to their original communities, fear of renewed attacks remains high. Many families avoid sleeping in their homes, seeking refuge in more remote areas. “The situation remains tense. People are returning, but many are still afraid to sleep at home,” said the local administrator.
Cintura also revealed possible links between some attackers and local communities, particularly in fishing areas, suggesting that some residents of Memba may be involved in the assaults. Authorities are investigating these potential connections with areas previously occupied by insurgents in Cabo Delgado.
Cabo Delgado province has been under terrorist attacks since October 2017, starting in the district of Mocímboa da Praia. Eight years later, the death toll exceeds 6,200, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED). The violence remains active and continues to impact neighboring areas such as Nampula.
Since 2017, over 6,200 people have been killed in Cabo Delgado’s insurgency, which continues to destabilize neighboring regions.
The government has reiterated its ongoing efforts to restore security and ensure safe, permanent resettlement for affected communities returning to their areas of origin.
Source: Diário Económico
