from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – THE Islamist groups terrorising northern Mozambique have reportedly increased the spate of public executions, including beheadings, of their victims.
This is according to the Global Protection Cluster (GPC) on the situation in Cabo Delgado and neighbouring provinces.
“In recent months, NSAGs have doubled down on their tactic of committing spectacular violence against civilians, staging public executions (including beheadings), looting and burning villages, and abducting women, men, girls and boys, with reports indicating that children are deliberately targeted for abduction,” it stated.
The non-state armed groups (NSAGs) are also reported to be continuing to use improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
GPC reports that many families who had returned home are now forced to flee once again.
In addition, these attacks lead to acute psychological distress and trauma, according to the cluster.
“People with specific needs, including older people and people with disabilities, are at heightened risk and often lack access to services and assistance.”
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ recent Access Snapshot, May 2025 saw the sharpest rise in violence in Cabo Delgado since June 2022, with over 134 000 people affected through 61 security incidents.
Over the past several weeks, more than 25 000 people have been forced to flee due to fresh attacks in different districts, including Ancuabe, Macomia and Muidumbe.
Attacks are also occurring across an increasingly extensive geographic area, evidenced by the April 2025 attack in neighbouring Niassa province.
Since 2017, NSAGs in Cabo Delgado have waged violent campaigns against civilians, committing widespread human rights abuses, causing mass displacements and fracturing communities.
– CAJ News