The increase in displacement at the end of September marks a turning point in the conflict – now entering its eighth year – with more than 100,000 people already uprooted by 2025.
Violence in Cabo Delgado began in 2017, led by armed groups known locally as al-Shabaab – unrelated to the Somali Islamist militia of the same name. The conflict has evolved into a complex crisis compounded by the effects of repeated cyclones, floods and droughts that have devastated livelihoods.
For the first time since the start of hostilities, all 17 districts of Cabo Delgado were directly affected and more than 1.3 million people were displaced – several times.
“Families are reaching their limits”, Xavier Creach, head of UNHCR in Mozambique, noting that some who once hosted displaced people are now fleeing themselves.
Civilians continue to be targeted, with reports of killings, kidnappings and sexual violence, while children are at risk of forcible recruitment.
Women and girls most at risk
Women and girls are particularly vulnerable when fetching water or firewood, and people with disabilities or the elderly often cannot escape violence. Many are traumatized and urgently need psychosocial support, added Mr. Créach.
Violence has sharply intensified this year, with more than 500 incidents recorded through August – even surpassing 2022 peaks – including raids, kidnappings and the destruction of homes and infrastructure.
UNHCR says the new wave of displacement in Mozambique is one of the largest recorded in the last eight years.
The health system under siege
The humanitarian consequences have been compounded by the collapse of health services in the north.
According to the response led by the World Health Organization, around 60 percent of facilities in the worst-affected districts are not functioning due to insecurity, looting and displacement of staff.
Essential services such as maternity care, HIV treatment and emergency response have been severely disrupted.
In Mocímboa da Praia, the only hospital is operating with less than 10 percent of its staff – for most of the volunteers who fight to keep emergency rooms and maternity wards open.
Humanitarian groups warn that disease risks are increasing, with cases of malaria and cholera expected to increase with the start of the rainy season.
Serious funding gap
The health sector’s annual response plan is only 11 percent funded for this year, leaving stocks of essential medicines extremely low.
UNHCR also faces serious funding gaps. It received only $66 million of the $352 million required for its operations in Mozambique this year.leaving response capacity “strained as needs increase”.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
