The United Nations has reported that recent armed attacks in northern Mozambique have displaced tens of thousands, exacerbating an already grim humanitarian situation. Concerns have been raised about adherence to international legal obligations concerning civilian protection and aid facilitation, as outlined in an analysis by JURIST.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), between July 20 and July 28, over 46,000 people were forced to flee the districts of Chiúre, Ancuabe, and Muidumbe in Cabo Delgado province. The major brunt was borne by Chiúre, where more than 42,000 individuals, more than half of whom are children, were uprooted. Across Cabo Delgado, over 95,000 people have been displaced due to rampant insecurity since January.
The displaced are now seeking refuge in congested areas, with families living under dire conditions featuring scarce food, water, and medical care. There is an alarming rise in the number of separated and unaccompanied children, reflecting the traumatic effect of violence on family structures and increasing vulnerability to exploitation.
Further south, in Ancuabe, the situation quickly deteriorated as hundreds of families fled escalating violence, while in Muidumbe, armed militants reportedly torched homes, forcing nearly 500 families to seek safety elsewhere.
International law, including Mozambique’s obligations under the Geneva Conventions and the African Union’s Kampala Convention, requires protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and mandates unhindered humanitarian access. Yet, implementation remains inconsistent, and many of the displaced face challenges in securing legal recognition and support.
The humanitarian response plan for Mozambique is severely underfunded, according to the latest updates. The required $352 million for the 2025 plan is far from being met, with only $66 million received, leading to aid being scaled back drastically. This funding shortage comes at a critical time when the needs of the affected populations are intensifying.
This crisis underscores an urgent appeal for international and domestic stakeholders to bolster support measures, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks and stepping up humanitarian efforts to address the pressing needs of the displaced populations in northern Mozambique.