from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – A NEW escalation of violence is leading to a new wave of displacement in northern Mozambique.
September witnessed a sharp escalation in violence as attacks by non-state armed groups (NSAGs) and military operations intensified.
Humanitarian operations were also negatively impacted.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that around 39 000 people were displaced in Cabo Delgado province.
More than 20 000 people—half of them children—were newly displaced.
Many fled into the bush or found shelter with host families, often without being registered, suggesting that the actual number of displaced may be higher.
Civilians reported abductions, killings, and destruction of property across several districts, including Ancuabe, Balama, Chiúre, Macomia, Mocímboa da Praia, Montepuez, Muidumbe, Nangade and Memba.
Between January and September, a total of 151 000 people were displaced.
By the end of September, 642 incidents involving violence against civilians were recorded across Cabo Delgado, Nampula Province and Niassa provinces.
The significant increase in incidents involving kidnappings, killings and the use of improvised explosive devices has been recorded since the start of the year, putting 2025 on track to exceed previous peaks in violence.
“The worsening insecurity also forced some returnees to flee again,” said an OCHA spokesperson.
– CAJ News