Devastated Lives Due to War in Mozambique, 1.5 Million Displaced in Delgado, Over 100 Schools Closed
Lilongwe, Malawi: In Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado province, at least 10,000 people were displaced in February, according to a report from a United Nations agency on Wednesday.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 93% of those displaced were forced to leave their homes due to attacks or the fear of attacks.
The report also highlighted that food and shelter were the primary needs expressed by the displaced individuals.
UN spokesperson Inocencio Impisa stated, "It is highly distressing that such a large number of people have been displaced in just one month. However, with the help of humanitarian agencies, we are ensuring that food, shelter, and medical assistance are being provided to those displaced by the conflict in this region."
UNICEF Mozambique's spokesperson Guy Taylor said that children are the most affected by the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado. "Over 100 schools have been closed in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, affecting the education of 50,000 children," he said.
He further stated, "Due to the lack of security, displaced children are facing a rise in severe malnutrition. The psychological impact of this conflict on children is also extremely severe."
Since 2017, Cabo Delgado, a gas-rich region, has been facing an armed insurgency, leading to the deaths of thousands and the displacement of over 1.5 million people, many of whom are children, according to the United Nations.
Additionally, Cabo Delgado is home to deep ruby mines and an illegal ivory trade, as well as timber businesses. The region was a focal point in the fight for independence from Portugal in 1964 and later became a major battlefield in Mozambique's civil war.
