from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – ISLAMIST groups are heightening their reign of terror in northern Mozambique.
Official records by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) indicate that as of April, some 3 218 households (13 346 individuals) were displaced from a number of villages.
They have been forced to flee the villages of Macaia, Miegane, Ngura, Noble and Nonia in the Ancuabe district of Cabo Delgado province.
IOM reports that the newly arrived families reported having returned to their areas of origin just a few months ago, only to be displaced once again, returning to relocation sites and host communities.
“These recurrent, forced, and abrupt displacements significantly heighten their vulnerability and negatively impact their resilience and the future prospects of their children,” said an IOM spokesperson.
Those displaced have sought refuge in Ancuabe Sede, Metoro and Meza.
The District Planning and Infrastructure Service in Ancuabe has reported urgent humanitarian needs, including Non-Food Items (NFI) and food assistance, with a particular emphasis on protection services, psychosocial support, shelter, access to clean water, dignity kits and hygiene supplies especially for vulnerable groups and women.
“Immediate action is required to respond to these critical needs and provide life-saving support to the affected populations,” IOM stated.
Armed Islamist groups have been wreaking havoc in the resources-rich northern Mozambique since 2017.
Thousands have been killed.
– CAJ News