Eigth Years of insecurity in Cabo Delgado

 

It has been eight years since the onset of insecurity in Cabo Delgado province, triggered by a group known as Allsanate made up of masheikhs and mababus now commonly referred to as “Al-Shababs,” a name associated with terrorist groups.

According to information from the IOM (International Organization for Migration), thousands of people and families have been forced to abandon their belongings, homes, and farms, relocating to safer areas in an attempt to protect their lives.

“Thousands of pregnant women, elderly people, and children were killed many of the children lost access to education as they fled by any means possible from the violence in Cabo Delgado,” the organization reported.

Over these eight years, the people of Cabo Delgado have not seen any meaningful improvements in security. The reality experienced on the ground continues to contrast with the official government narrative, as instability remains deeply rooted in the province.

Cabo Delgado comprises 17 districts, of which Mocímboa da Praia, Nangade, Quissanga, Macomia, Muidumbe, and Palma have been severely attacked with destruction reaching even the district headquarters. The remaining districts have also suffered attacks, mainly in villages, localities, and administrative posts.

For a long time, the districts of Balama and Pemba were believed to be untouched. However, insurgents recently attacked Mavala administrative post in Balama, demonstrating that no area is truly safe.

The terrorists have vandalized homes, destroyed civilian property and key infrastructure such as schools and health centers, set vehicles on fire many of which have never been recovered and taken countless human lives.

To create the impression abroad that the situation is under control, insurgents even targeted the Mecula district in neighboring Niassa province, sparking concerns in Nampula province, which has received large numbers of displaced people fleeing from Cabo Delgado.

On October 3, 2025, during a class at Pemba Secondary School, a teacher invited students to attend the October 4th commemorations marking the signing of the 1992 General Peace Agreement, which ended the 16-year civil war. In response, students asked whether Cabo Delgado was truly at peace. The teacher, taken aback, was left speechless and wide-eyed.

Life for the people of Cabo Delgado has never returned to normal. Between the killings by Al-Shababs, reported abuses by security forces, and recurring natural disasters, the province’s situation continues to deteriorate and the future remains bleak as long as insecurity persists.(Mozanorte)