from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – AT least eight civilians have been killed following attacks by non-State Armed Groups (NSAG) in northern Mozambique since mid-April.
At least 16 000 people, or 4 124 families, have been displaced across the Ancuabe, Montepuez and Nangade districts.
The abduction of 25 individuals, as well as the looting of food stocks and the destruction and vandalism of homes, schools, health facilities and a place of worship, have also been reported.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that the insecurity has also triggered new displacements across the affected districts.
At least 12 000 of the newly displaced people have been concentrated in Ancuabe and Montepuez, while the displacement of 767 people to Nangade and 80 families from Mocimboa da Praia remains comparatively limited.
The non-governmental organisation-led Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) has been activated, with plans underway to support displaced families in Ancuabe and Montepuez.
Protection partners have conducted a rapid assessment that identified key protection risks affecting the population.
“There is an observed lag between the displacement alert and response activation, leaving affected populations without timely assistance, which exacerbates vulnerabilities, heightens reliance on negative coping mechanisms and drives unsafe returns,” said a humanitarian spokesperson.
Islamist groups have carried out terror attacks in northern Mozambique since 2017.
Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands displaced.
Security forces have also been accused of human rights abuses during operations to clamp down on insurgents in the resource-rich region.
– CAJ News