Thousands flee as Moz insurgency flares up again

Maputo – A new outbreak of unrest in northern Mozambique, scene of a jihadist insurgency, has forced thousands to flee their homes, according to United Nations (UN) figures and sources in Cabo Delgado province.

An alert from the UN migration agency, IOM, said recent attacks in the Macomia, Chiure and Mecufi districts had displaced 13 088 people – most of them children – by bus, canoe and on foot.

Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi confirmed there had been population movements, but played down the threat and insisted security forces had the situation under control.

“There are a significant number of people who move from one area to another and complain about support,” he said, after a meeting with military commanders.

“Terrorists try to recruit in this province, which is why we see these movements.”

A recent flight of people from the town of Ocua, he said, was a result of revenge attacks after Mozambican and Rwandan forces thwarted an attempt to kidnap children.

“The last month recorded significant movements by nonstate armed groups towards the southern districts of Cabo Delgado” a spokesperson from the UN’s refugee agency said.

“This wave of attacks has essentially been characterised by a high level of destruction, namely residences, churches and social infrastructures as schools and health centres.”

Forces from Rwanda and countries of the Southern African Development Community, deployed to Mozambique in 2021 after years of jihadist attacks.

They have helped the country retake lost territory in Cabo Delgado, but unrest continues.

One civil servant in Cabo Delgado, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity because of government orders, confirmed the situation had deteriorated.

“It seems they have returned with great fury,” he said of the groups behind the attacks.

Tobias Miguel, a researcher following the crisis, said those displaced seem to be seeking refuge in the northern town of Pemba or crossing out of the province to Nampula.

“We have received reports terrorists have stopped some cargo vehicles to demand monetary payments,” he said.

The secretary of state for Nampula Province, Jaime Neto, confirmed the National Institute for Disaster Management was seeking to open a transit centre to accommodate displaced people. –