In recent weeks, attacks by non-state armed groups in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province have driven more than 30,000 people from their homes—marking the largest movement of displaced people so far this year. This region is one of Mozambique’s most volatile as it has been the scene of intense conflict that has displaced more than 800,000 people since October 2017.
Many of those who’ve been forced to flee since the violence began are in need of humanitarian assistance, including health care, water and sanitation, and food. While Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) remains committed to providing medical and humanitarian aid, it’s critical that other organizations and actors step up to help close the gaps.
Violence fuels mass displacement
Over the past year, Mozambican armed forces and regional allies have increased their presence in a number of regions, shifting the hotspots of violence. For example, throughout June, fear of violence followed by confirmed attacks have triggered panic and mass movements of people from areas near the provincial capital of Pemba that were previously considered relatively safe and stable, such as Ancuabe and Chiure districts.
The situation in Cabo Delgado remains very fluid. Many people have been forced to flee their homes multiple times as government forces clash with non-state armed groups, often abandoning their possessions and uprooting their lives.
MSF teams have been distributing relief items in various locations where people are sheltering following recent attacks, such as Ntele—in Montepuez district—where more than 1,000 families arrived in late June. Most arrived with few or no possessions and in great psychological distress. So far, MSF teams have distributed more than 700 kits containing essential items like tents, jerrycans for water, cooking pots, and mosquito nets. MSF teams continue to provide medical assistance in areas with established MSF projects such as Macomia, Mueda, and Palma.
