The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, expressed grave concerns on Thursday regarding the growing number of displaced people in Mozambique. During his visit to the northern Cabo Delgado province, Grandi highlighted the plight of over 780,000 Mozambicans forced to flee their homes due to a violent insurgency that began in 2017.
The insurgency, waged by militants affiliated with the Islamic State group, has ravaged Cabo Delgado, displacing an estimated 1.3 million people at its peak. Many fled to escape brutal killings and beheadings. While around 600,000 have since attempted to return home, often to destroyed dwellings, a recent surge in violence has triggered a new wave of displacement.
According to the UN, renewed attacks since January have uprooted an additional 80,000 people. However, some aid agencies believe the actual number displaced this year may be closer to 100,000.
Grandi emphasized the urgent need for sustained international support to address the crisis. Mozambique’s UN humanitarian plan faces a significant funding shortfall, hindering critical aid efforts. In a social media post, Grandi underscored the complex interplay between conflict and climate change driving displacement in Mozambique. He called for a “pivot to development” to bolster stability and prevent further displacement.
The UN has appealed for $400 million to assist those affected in Mozambique this year. However, as highlighted by Robert Piper, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Internal Displacement, pledges currently stand at only 5% of the requested amount.
