The province of Cabo Delgado used to be known for its natural wealth, not about the brutality and violence of the Islamic State. Its ruby fields, gas and oil fields have attracted many international investors, including companies from the United States. However, contradictions were not unknown in the region early on: while the political elite lived a life of luxury, the majority of the local population lived their daily lives in poverty.
The conflict erupted in October 2017 when armed groups attacked a police station in the village of Mocimboa da Praia, killing two officers.
It was the first overt attack linked to the local Islamic State group. The group initially operated under the name al-Sabab, although they have no connection with the organization of the same name in Somalia. The ideological roots came from Tanzania, where extremist religious doctrines gradually permeated local mosques and religious schools.
The advance of the Islamic State
After the first attacks, the violence escalated. The group claims to fight poverty, while in practice they carry out brutal massacres. Threats to the inhabitants of the villages, executions and kidnappings became a daily part of the conflict. Sanula Issa, a local resident, witnessed her husband’s beheading.
They are evil. They destroyed the lives of innocent people
she said fighting back tears. The violence not only affected the population, but also completely destroyed the local infrastructure. The town of Mocimboa da Praia, once a peaceful fishing village, has found itself at the heart of the conflict. Hospitals, schools and public buildings lie in ruins.
As a result of the violence, nearly half of the province’s residents – more than a million people – left their homes. Pemba, the capital of the province, received almost 80,000 refugees, significantly exceeding its capacity.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that many of the temporary accommodations are overcrowded, often with several generations sharing a single small room. Muinde Macassari, who once supported his family by fishing, now sleeps on a blanket placed on a pile of hay with some of his relatives in the outer districts of Pemba.
My life has completely changed. I don’t know what security means anymore
he said desperately. Refugees are often left without food and drinking water, while humanitarian aid organizations are distracted from Mozambique by global crises.
International intervention: temporary improvement of the situation
Despite the failures of the local government, international efforts helped alleviate the situation. The military units of Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) pushed back the main forces of the extremists with direct interventions. The intensity of the fighting has decreased by 2024, however, the attacks have split into smaller groups who continue to maintain tension.
The government is doing its best
said Valige Tauabo, the governor of the province. However, the population still often does not perceive a real improvement in the situation.
In addition to the conflict, Mozambique also faced natural disasters.
In December 2024, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on Cabo Delgado and neighboring provinces. Almost 120 people lost their lives and thousands of families were left homeless. The shortage of food and drinking water further aggravated the situation.
Meanwhile, the country has also been weighed down by political instability after the outcome of the 2024 presidential election was widely called into question.
Widespread protests broke out in the country, during which more than 300 people lost their lives. Despite the conflicts and disasters, many people are trying to rebuild their lives. Residents of Mocimboa da Praia are slowly returning to their homes and starting to clean up the ruins. Local communities still carry deep wounds, but some find hope in the new generations.
I want to be a nurse to help people
said a 12-year-old girl who herself was a victim of the conflict. Stories like these show that there is hope even in the darkest of times.
Cover image: Rwandan special anti-terrorist units and Mozambican police patrol the city of Palma (Photo: AFP)
Source: magyarnemzet.hu
