from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – CIVILIAN violence is on track to reach a record high in 2025 as the insurgency by Islamist groups escalate in northern Mozambique.
This is amid 519 attacks reported by the end of August, compared to 448 in 2022.
As of September 24, over 20 000 people were displaced, including 10 000 children.
The numbers of people affected could be much higher, as many remain in their communities fleeing to the bush and returning home as soon as security permits, and many displaced people are likely to be with host communities.
This is according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The agency bemoans escalating conflict and violence affecting civilians in Ancuabe, Balama, Chiúre, Macomia, Mocímboa da Praia, Montepuez, Muidumbe, and Nangade and Memba in Nampula province.
In addition, between August 26 and September 24, Cabo Delgado province experienced a marked surge in violence, with non-state armed groups (NSAGs) carrying out repeated attacks alongside military operations that reportedly affected civilians.
In addition to people displaced, there are also affected people who remain in their communities, many of whom are returnees who had been displaced before and had returned to their home areas as humanitarian aid provision dropped significantly in the areas of displacement, primarily in southern Cabo Delgado, starting in 2023, according to OCHA.
The agency reports that in the past weeks, conflict and insecurity have affected humanitarian operations, resulting in the temporary suspension of aid operations in parts of the province.
Humanitarian partners continue to access Macomia, Mocimboa da Praia, Quissanga and Mueda by road, with movements facilitated through OCHA’s civil-military coordination humanitarian notification system.
OCHA reports that the majority of the incidents are terror attacks on civilians.
Preliminary reports indicate that around 20 181 people, including more than 10 000 children, have been displaced across Cabo Delgado.
“This figure may be higher, as additional displacements are not yet recorded,” an OCHA spokesperson said.
Recently, in Nampula province, Mozambican Defence Forces intercepted a rebel group, arresting one member.
In retaliation, the Islamist group reportedly killed a civilian.
Over the past weekend, attacks in Nampula resulted in multiple abductions and the burning of homes.
Further attacks on Sunday in Memba destroyed homes and public infrastructure, including a school and health centre in Pavala community.
In Niassa, the Islamic State-Mozambique, via a media outlet linked to Islamic State, claimed responsibility for the September 22 abduction of a couple in Marrupa district.
– CAJ News