In the heart of Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province lies a silent battleground, where the struggle for survival is a daily reality. For the past seven years, this region has been ravaged by violent conflict, yet the world remains largely unaware of the suffering endured by its people.
In this forgotten corner of the world, families face unimaginable horrors. They have witnessed loved ones butchered before their eyes, homes reduced to ashes, and livelihoods destroyed. Men and boys are forcibly conscripted into armed groups, while girls and women are abducted and subjected to unspeakable atrocities.
As of January 2024, over 582,000 individuals remain displaced, their lives upended by the relentless onslaught of violence. Among them is Agostino, a man who has known nothing but displacement and loss. Forced to flee his village multiple times, he recounts the harrowing tales of survival amidst chaos and despair.
Despite the efforts of humanitarian organizations like UNHCR, the plight of these displaced families remains dire. Basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare are scarce, and the challenges of rebuilding shattered lives seem insurmountable.
The world must not turn a blind eye to the suffering in northern Mozambique. More needs to be done to raise awareness about this underreported conflict and to provide the support and resources necessary for these resilient communities to rebuild their lives. The international community must heed the call for action and stand in solidarity with the people of Cabo Delgado, for their struggle is not theirs alone—it is a call for humanity to rise and make a difference.
Mahboob Azam 