Mozambique Access Snapshot - Cabo Delgado Province - June 2024 [EN/PT]

OVERVIEW

542K INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE IN CABO DELGADO

321 NEWLY DISPLACED IN JUNE

602K RETURNS IN CABO DELGADO

186 SECURITY INCIDENTS (Jan-Jun 2024)

15 LANDING STRIPS IN CABO DELGADO

In June, 42 security incidents were reported of which, 33 impacted humanitarian operations. Movements and presence of non-State armed groups (NSAGs) were felt across eight districts either through attacks, armed clashes with government security forces (FADM) or restriction of freedom of civilian movement, including of relief workers.

On 10 June, NSAGs attacked Nacoba village in Quissanga district, triggering pendular displacement with civilians returning within 48 hours. The attack resulted in looting of food and medical supplies, as well as the vandalization of a local school and health centre. Essential public services in Quissanga remain closed as the district authorities have not returned from the provincial capital. Attacks were also reported in Mbau and Chinda in Mocímboa da Praia district on 19 June, resulting in the death of two children and an adult. Most of those who fled returned to Mbau the day after the attack, while approximately 655 people arrived at the Josina Machel neighbourhood in Mocímboa da Praia sede. NSAG attacks were also reported in Mecufi and Metuge districts, and their movements were observed in Chiúre, Mecufi, and Erati in Nampula province. Due to growing insecurity, military authorities imposed a curfew in Chiúure sede from 05 June, from 6PM to 7AM. Overall, 10 incidents targeting civilians were reported in coastal and central districts of Cabo Delgado, resulting in killings of at least seven adults and one child, looting, abductions, threats, and the destruction of public infrastructure such as schools and a health centre in Nacoba village in Quissanga district.

During the reporting period, there were observed clashes between NSAGs and government security forces in Napala and Nanjaba (Macomia), Mbau (Mocímboa da Praia), and Mandimba (Nangade). Military operations were ongoing in the coastal areas of Quissanga, Matemo, and Quirimba between 11 and 15 June. These operations affected sea and air movements to Ibo Island with UNHAS flight cancelled on 11 June. As per the 2024 HRNP, an estimated 112,000 people are targeted for assistance in Ibo and Quissanga.

Explosive hazards impacting on access and Protection of Civilians remain an increased concern to humanitarian actors. In June, a total of five children were killed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Mocímboa da Praia district. The conflict in Cabo Delgado has witnessed an exponential increase in IEDs, posing a threat to the civilian population and hampering the movement of humanitarian workers, goods, and supplies. UNICEF has started awareness campaigns for children in schools, and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) has called for strengthened explosive ordnance risk education and sensitization across the humanitarian community.

Restricted humanitarian access continued challenging in Macomia district along the N380 road, starting from 19 de Outubro/ADPP road and from Macomia to Oasse, with requirement for movements coordination with FADM along N380. The threat of IEDs is also increasing in secondary roads connecting Macomia sede to Mucojo, Pangane and Quiterajo. Movement along the R762 road between Metuge and Quissanga was subject to intermittent closure due to millitary operations and NSAGs movements.