Violence in Cabo Delgado Mozambique: Tearfund response

Recent attacks

In the last two months, the situation has deteriorated once again.

Recent attacks by non-state armed groups in Macomia, Chiure and Mecufi­ have triggered mass displacement and have been characterised by extreme violence towards civilians.

The Telegraph newspaper reported on 8 March that ‘At least 80,000 [people] have been driven from their homes, Mozambique’s army has suffered its bloodiest day in three years, a town and an island have been reported captured, and several churches burned.

‘This week it was also reported that some 70 children are feared seized, to be used as child soldiers.’

Impact on local communities

Judas Massingue, Tearfund’s Country Director in Mozambique, also spoke about the wider impact of the displacements, explaining, ‘The majority of the internally displaced people from Cabo Delgado province who fled Nampula province were accommodated in six primary schools and one secondary school. Because of this, 13,000 children from the host communities were not able to attend lessons in their classrooms.

'Many of those who were sheltering in the schools have now had to return to where they came from so that the schools can reopen for education. Some are being hosted by other communities and others are living in accommodation centres in Chiure district of Cabo Delgado province.'

Tearfund’s response

Tearfund and our local partner, CEDES, are planning to respond to the current situation with focus on WASH provision for displaced people.

This will involve procuring and distributing buckets (with lids), plastic mugs, water purifiers and soap for 728 families, as well as providing 1,000 dignity kits for women and girls.

We will also be working with the local church to raise awareness on the prevention of waterborne diseases, which can be fatal.

*People who have been forced to flee their homes and find safety in other places within the country are often referred to as internally displaced persons (IDPs). Refugees are those who seek safety across country borders.

Tearfund’s ability to respond when situations like this arise is only thanks to the generosity and faithfulness of our supporters. We appreciate your prayers, and if you would like to give financial support to enable us to continue to respond, please do so here.