from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – THE conflict in northern Mozambique appears to be escalating again, forcing nearly 22 000 people to flee their homes in a single week at the end of September.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has raised concern at the escalation of the crisis that is in its eighth year, perpetrated by Islamist insurgents.
The new wave of displacement is one of the largest recorded this year, with more than 100 000 people already forced to flee.
“The recent upsurge in violence marks a turning point in northern Mozambique,” Xavier Creach, UNHCR representative in Mozambique said.
“After years of uncertainty, families are reaching their limits, as some remain despite the danger and others flee again with little hope of returning.”
During 2025, violence has accelerated considerably.
By the end of August, more than 500 security incidents affecting the civilian population had been recorded, including raids on villages, kidnappings, killings of civilians, looting and destruction of homes and infrastructure.
Since the conflict began in 2017, more than 1,3 million people have been displaced.
For the first time since the start of the conflict, all 17 districts of Cabo Delgado province, the epicentre of the conflict, have been directly affected.
Children are among the most affected, with reports of forced recruitment and deliberate attacks by non-state armed groups. Women and girls are particularly exposed to domestic and sexual violence.
The UN refugee agency needs US$352 million this year to respond but has only received $66 million.
– CAJ News