Thousands flee Islamist attacks in Mozambique

Thousands flee Islamist attacks in Mozambique

The Islamist militant attacks reported in the Nangade district in the northern province of Cabo Delgado have already displaced around 24,000 people since the beginning of the year, according to a press release from the United Nations refugee agency.

Another 5,000 people sought protection in the district of Mueda, with hundreds of families still on the move, the UNHCR said.

“The number of people arriving in Mueda continues to increase, as the threat of violence remains,” the press release stated.

It also warned that the reception centres were overcrowded.

“These people need urgent humanitarian assistance and protection services,” UNHRC said, highlighting the psychological trauma experienced by the displaced people, including witnessing murders, beheadings and dismemberment of people’s bodies, sexual violence, kidnappings, forced recruitment and torture.

BBC /Shakirat Sadiq