Maputo: A fresh outbreak of unrest in northern Mozambique, the scene of a jihadist insurgency, has forced thousands of people from their homes, according to UN figures and sources in Cabo Delgado province.
A warning from the UN migration agency IOM said recent attacks in Macomia, Chiure and Mecufi districts have displaced 13,088 people – most of them children – by bus, canoe and on foot.
Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi confirmed there were new population movements, but downplayed the threat and insisted security forces had the situation under control.
“There is a significant number of people moving from one area to another and complaining about support,” he said after meeting military commanders.
“Terrorists are trying to recruit in this province and that is why we are seeing these movements,” he said.
He said the recent escape of people from the town of Ocua was the result of reprisal attacks after Mozambican and Rwandan forces thwarted an attempt to abduct children.
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“Last month saw a significant movement of non-state armed groups towards the southern districts of Cabo Delgado,” a spokesman for the UN refugee agency UNHRC told AFP.
“This wave of attacks was essentially characterized by a high level of destruction, namely of residences, churches and social infrastructure such as schools and health centers.”
Forces from Rwanda and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries deployed to Mozambique in July 2021 after years of jihadist attacks.
They helped the country regain lost territory in Cabo Delgado, but unrest continues.
One civil servant in Cabo Delgado, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity because of government regulations, confirmed that the situation had worsened.
“They seem to have come back with great ferocity,” he said of the armed groups behind the attacks.
Tobias Miguel, a post-crisis researcher, said the displaced appeared to be seeking refuge in the northern city of Pemba or crossing from the province to neighboring Nampula.
“We have received reports that terrorists have stopped some trucks to demand cash payments,” he said.
Nampula Provincial Secretary of State Jaime Neto confirmed that the National Institute for Disaster Management is seeking to open a transit center for displaced persons.
