An alert from the U.N. migration agency IOM said recent attacks in the Macomia, Chiure and Mecufi districts had displaced 13,088 people — most of them children — by bus, canoe and on foot.
Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi confirmed there had been new population movements, but played down the threat and insisted security forces had the situation under control.
"There are a significant number of people who move from one area to another and complain about support," Nyusi said, after a meeting with military commanders.
The Mozambican leader said, "terrorists try to recruit in this province, which is why we see these movements."
A recent flight of people from the town of Ocua, Nyusi said, was a result of revenge attacks after Mozambican and Rwandan forces had thwarted an attempt to kidnap children.
"The last month recorded significant movements by non-state armed groups towards the southern districts of Cabo Delgado" a spokesperson from the U.N.'s refugee agency, UNHRC said.
"This wave of attacks has essentially been characterized by a high level of destruction, namely residences, churches and social infrastructures as schools and health centers," the spokesperson added.
Rwanda and countries of the Southern Africa’s regional SADC body, deployed forces to Mozambique in July 2021 after years of jihadist attacks. They have helped the country retake lost territory in Cabo Delgado, but unrest continues.
One civil servant in Cabo Delgado, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of government orders, confirmed that the situation had deteriorated.
"It seems they have returned with great fury," he said, speaking on the armed groups behind the attacks.
Tobias Miguel, a researcher following the crisis, said those displaced seem to be seeking refuge in the northern town of Pemba or crossing out of the province to neighboring Nampula.
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