The Catholic Church in Mozambique has deplored the growing number of child kidnappings in the conflict-hit Cabo Delgado province. A local priest told reporters on Monday that these kidnappings and displacement are a direct result of insurgent attacks.
According to a Human Rights Watch report, at least 120 children were abducted by insurgents between January and May 2025. Father Kwiriwi Fonseca stated something urgent must be done to help these children, who deserve to have a better future.
Another humanitarian organization, Save the Children, described the situation as “harrowing and requiring an urgent response.” Their country director said the fresh attacks represent a major setback in efforts to rebuild the lives of children and families.
The ongoing conflict has now killed over 6,000 people and displaced more than a million Mozambicans since 2017. Recent escalating attacks have killed 30 people and displaced around 60,000 others in the province, according to data from the UN.
Father Fonseca warned that the humanitarian crisis in the province risks being completely forgotten by the international community. He also called for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid, warning that the desperate situation is likely to get out of control.