The government stated protecting citizens in Cabo Delgado is urgent, following a review of human rights recommendations.
Mozambique's justice ministry acknowledged the urgent need to protect citizens in Cabo Delgado, with permanent secretary Tuarique Abdala highlighting the suffering of displaced families and children on October 16. This statement came in response to questions about human rights priorities after Mozambique accepted 284 of 292 recommendations from its fourth Universal Periodic Review. While Abdala recognized the ongoing hardship, he did not outline specific actions or mechanisms to address the crisis.
The conflict in Cabo Delgado, ongoing since 2017, has resulted in over 6,600 deaths and displaced more than 1.2 million people. Between September and October alone, the International Organization for Migration recorded at least 4,445 newly displaced individuals. The government faces challenges in overcoming the insurgent threat, which it did not initiate, while also grappling with allegations of misconduct by state forces.
A key test for accountability involves the alleged killing of fishermen on March 15, where at least 13 people were reportedly killed by naval forces off the coast of Mocímboa da Praia. Human Rights Watch has gathered accounts implicating naval personnel, though the armed forces have denied responsibility, attributing the deaths to insurgents disguised in military uniforms.
Why it mattersDisplaced families and children in Cabo Delgado are suffering the consequences of the insurgency.
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