Mozambique Struggles to Relocate IDPs Amid Insurgency

Authorities in Chiure, Mozambique, are grappling with the challenge of relocating internally displaced persons (IDPs) as a violent insurgency continues to force thousands from their homes. The main obstacle lies in distinguishing IDPs from host communities within the Chiure metropolis, leading to increased needs for food, non-food items, and critical services.

Why this matters: The struggle to relocate and support IDPs in Mozambique highlights the devastating consequences of protracted conflict on civilian populations, and underscores the need for sustained humanitarian assistance and international cooperation to address the root causes of displacement. As the crisis worsens, it also raises concerns about the potential for regional instability and the spread of violence.

Between February 8th and March 3rd, a series of attacks by non-state armed groups (NSAGs) in Chiúre, Cabo Delgado, resulted in approximately 18,248 families, or 91,239 individuals, fleeing the district. The attacks forced local populations, district authorities, and humanitarian workers to seek shelter in the bushes or field bases. The Mozambique military (FADM), supported by external forces, responded to the new, arrival, flash, update, may attacks.

The humanitarian situation in Cabo Delgado and Nampula deteriorated significantly in the first quarter of 2024, with intensified armed attacks and violence displacing thousands. IDPs in Northern Mozambique face increased exposure to protection risks, including family separation, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and other forms of violence and exploitation.

To address these challenges, the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) cluster requires support in establishing mechanisms for receiving new arrivals, easing registration, and establishing a presence in Chiure Sede. New arrivals urgently need assistance with food, non-food items, dignity kits for women, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) awareness, and other critical reports services.

Shelter partners are working to repair previously abandoned shelters to accommodate the growing number of IDPs. However, all programming must be sensitive to the context, where old case loads of IDPs are hosting newly arrived displaced populations, to avoid dividing communities.

In response to the crisis, the Protection Cluster and Housing, Land and Property (HLP) Area of Responsibility (AoR) provided training to 14 Linha Verde 1458 operators on general protection issues, including GBV risk mitigation and response. Helpcode is also implementing a program aimed at promoting women's economic empowerment as a GBV risk mitigation strategy in Cabo Delgado.

As the conflict in Mozambique's northern region persists, the struggle to relocate and support IDPs in Chiure highlights the urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance and protection services. The situation requires close collaboration between local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and the international community to ensure the safety and well-being of those displaced by violence.

Key Takeaways

• 18,248 families (91,239 individuals) fled Chiúre, Cabo Delgado due to attacks by non-state armed groups.
• IDPs in Northern Mozambique face increased protection risks, including family separation and SGBV.
• Humanitarian assistance is urgently needed for food, non-food items, and critical services.
• Shelter partners are repairing abandoned shelters to accommodate growing IDP numbers.
• Increased humanitarian assistance and protection services are needed to ensure IDP safety and well-being.