from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – VIOLENCE against citizens in the terror-afflicted northern Mozambique is on track to hit a record high in 2025.
This is according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) as the insurgency by Islamist groups worsen.
OCHA reports that security incidents have risen steadily over the past four months in Cabo Delgado, with 519 incidents.
The province is worst affected.
Since the beginning of the year, a total of 111 393 people across the three northern provinces have been displaced, the vast majority (109 118) in Cabo Delgado.
OCHA discloses that while displacements are occurring, many are opting not to flee again, having already experienced displacement and noting the reduced levels of assistance available.
“A recent trend shows that conflict-affected communities often flee temporarily during attacks but return home shortly afterward,” said a humanitarian spokesperson.
Macomia, Meluco, Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe and Palma are the most affected.
According to OCHA, Macomia district alone accounted for a third of all incidents against civilians.
Violence included armed clashes between security forces and armed groups.
The agency reports that civilians continue to face grave security and protection risks, including abductions, looting and threats.
Recent incidents left 44 people killed and 101 abducted, among them six children and five women.
The UN’s intervention in Mozambique suffers financial constraints.
Thousands have been killed and displaced since the conflict erupted in the resources-rich 2017.
– CAJ News