Mozambique: Access Snapshot - Cabo Delgado Province, as of 30 September 2024_ENG/PT

Since July 2024, military operations in coastal districts, including air strikes, have led to civilian displacements and casualties, complicating humanitarian access. Clashes between non-State armed groups (NSAGs) and the MozambicanSecurity and Defense Forces (FADM), supported by the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF), continued throughout September. Violence and military operations have significantly restricted access to people in need of humanitarian assistance in Mocímboa da Praia, Macomia, Muidumbe, Nangade, Palma, and Quissanga, severely hindering the delivery of essential aid to the most vulnerable populations.

On 17 September, an airstrike in Quiterajo, Macomia, targeting NSAG bases, resulted in civilian casualties.The military operations have forced NSAGs to disperse into other districts, further limiting road access for humanitarian assistance. As a result, some affected populations have not received much needed aid. Humanitarian partners continue their engagement with communities to promote acceptance and manage humanitarian access.

NSAGs were responsible for numerous killings, abductions, and displacements, with at least 14 civilian fatalities and 40 people, including women and children, abducted.The limited access of humanitarian partners to areas impacted by theviolence may result in underreporting, suggesting that the actual toll on civilians could be higher. Notable incidents included thebeheading of a man near Mangona on 26 September and similar attacks earlier in Mocímboa da Praia. Some abductees werelater released unharmed, as NSAG activity fluctuated between violent assaults and peaceful engagements in different villages.

Looting and burning of homes by NSAGs was also reported. On 13 September, six houses were set ablaze in Mbau, Mocímboa da Praia, and food was looted in Litamanda, Macomia. Other incidents included the theft of cash and food from traders in Mocímboa da Praia on 12 September, and the burning of two houses in Chíure on 8 September. Food was also looted in Chitunda and Mipande villages in Muidumbe district. In response to security concerns and reports of NSAG members reintegrating into local communities, authorities in Mocímboa da Praia imposed movement restrictions on 23 September. While restrictions have been lifted at the time of this report,there is a need for humanitarian notification to FADM for movement from Mocímboa da Praia sede to Anga (south of MdP) and to Mbau due to possible military operations.

The threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by NSAGs remain a significant risk. In September, six incidents were reported, including two controlled detonations in Macomia.A civilian was killed by an IED in Mocímboa da Praia on 10September. On 17 September, wild animals triggered an ERW/IED in Quissanga. These incidents, particularly in farming areas,have created fear among farmers preparing for the upcoming season. Humanitarian partners are concerned that the rainyseason could displace ERWs, complicating relief efforts further. IED awareness programs, initially aimed at humanitarianworkers, are being extended to civilians in affected districts.