Mozambique

Overview

In October 2017, an Islamic extremist armed group started launching aggressive attacks on civilians in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. The attacks have continued into 2021, causing insecurity and displacement within the province and displacement to the neighbouring provinces of Niassa and Nampula. The armed group, known as Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama, is involved in an increasing number of violent incidents, including incessant attacks on civilians, government forces, and military installations. Their activities are concentrated on the coast of Cabo Delgado, spanning from Pemba city to the Tanzanian border. The Government’s response to these attacks has led to further human rights abuses. Government forces have detained journalists for covering events in Cabo Delgado and subjected civilians suspected of supporting the armed group to searches, looting, and arbitrary detention.?

Between April 2020 and April 2021, the number of IDPs in the three provinces more than quadrupled, from 172,000 to over 732,000. Around 45% of all IDPs were children, and over 90% of the displaced lived with host families. Since 2020, increased violations against civilians, including killings, beheadings, and kidnappings, have been reported in Cabo Delgado. Between January–June 2021, more than 9,600 people who sought refuge in Tanzania had to return to Mozambique through the Negomano border point in Mueda district. ? 

There is an urgent need for food, shelter, health, and protection. An estimated 1.3 million people in the three provinces (around 12% of the total regional population) need humanitarian assistance and protection.  ?

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