The escalation of jihadist violence in northern Mozambique has driven more than 112,000 people, including 60,000 children, from their homes in the last two months, according to NGO Save the Children. In Cabo Delgado province, where fresh unrest erupted a few weeks ago, over 61,000 children have been displaced, marking the highest number in such a short period, stated the children’s charity.
The UN migration agency IOM reported on Monday that the total number of displaced people reached 112,894 from December 22 to March 3. Families have fled using various means, including buses, canoes, and on foot.
Esperanca Chinhanja, a psychologist with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) based in Cabo Delgado, highlighted the mental health impact of the recent attacks. Anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, isolation, and recurring thoughts of suicide are among the challenges faced by those affected.
Despite limited health infrastructure, MSF is providing individual consultations for psychological support. The insurgency, affiliated with the Islamic State group since October 2017, has witnessed repeated reports of beheadings, abductions, and numerous child victims, according to Save the Children. The conflict shows no immediate signs of resolution.
Forces from Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries were deployed to Mozambique in July.