Maputo, 20 May (AIM) – According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), cited in Tuesday’s issue of the independent daily “O Pais”, the recent attacks by Islamist terrorists against two villages within the boundaries of the Niassa Special Reserve, the country’s largest protected area, have caused almost 2,100 people to flee from their homes.
The latest UNHCR field report, covering events up to early May, says that the attacks and the fears of further violence caused at least 2,085 people to flee from the villages of Macalange and Mbamba.
The attacks killed two people and two others are missing. The Mbamba village, which came under attack on 29 April, is in the Mariri hunting area, which covers parts of Niassa and of the neighbouring province of Cabo Delgado. This was the second raid within the Niassa reserve – the first was on 24 April.
The attacks led to villagers fleeing into the bush, and to other nearby villages. The UNHCR said that most of the displaced people made their way to Mecula town, capital of the district of the same name.
On 9 May, said the UNHCR statement, community leaders estimated at 516 the number of households who had fled into Mecula. 400 of these households have sought refuge in the 16 June Primary School, and are living in six classrooms. The other 116 households have been offered hospitality in the local communities.
The Centre of Strategic Studies of the US Department of Defence says that in 2024 at least 349 people died in jihadist attacks in Cabo Delgado, an increase of 36 per cent on the previous year.
(AIM)
Pf/ (278)
