A recent surge of attacks by an Islamic State-affiliated group in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province has resulted in over 70 children missing, sparking concerns that they may have drowned in a river or been abducted by militants. The attacks have caused thousands of families to flee the region, seeking shelter in Nampula province to the south.
The Protection Working Group, a coalition of NGOs and UN agencies, reported that around 30 families have requested police assistance in locating their missing children. These attacks, previously affecting areas largely untouched by the insurgency that began in 2017, have intensified the humanitarian crisis in Cabo Delgado, forcing over a million people to flee their homes and resulting in numerous casualties.
The UN's migration agency disclosed that nearly 100,000 individuals, including more than 61,000 children, were displaced in a recent offensive by Islamic State Mozambique fighters. Save the Children described it as the largest displacement of children in Cabo Delgado in the past 18 months, with reports of beheadings and abductions, including children.
The recent attacks led to the disappearance of 72 children, while 29 others have been reunited with their families. The violence also resulted in the destruction of 500 buildings and claimed an unconfirmed number of lives. The UN children's agency warned of the increased risk of cholera outbreaks due to overcrowding and poor sanitation in displacement sites.
The insurgency, previously believed to be contained, has resurged with militants seizing control of key areas and carrying out brutal attacks. The Mozambican military's ability to counter these threats has been questioned, with concerns raised about the fragile security situation in Cabo Delgado.
The Islamic State-affiliated group, which aims to impose Islamic law in the region, comprises mainly Mozambican fighters with some foreign elements. The recent displacements underscore the ongoing challenges in restoring stability and security in Cabo Delgado, emphasizing the need for enhanced community trust in the security forces.
