Exposing the rise of early marriages in Nampula

Early Marriages and the Violation of Children’s Rights in the Coastal Districts of Nampula

Through our sources positioned in the coastal districts of Nampula Province, we have received alarming information about what is happening in these areas. It is very sad to note that early marriages and the violation of children’s rights have become common practices.

The districts of Mussuril, Mugincual, Liupo, Angoche, Larde, and Moma are reported to be the most affected by the problems mentioned above. Local authorities have never taken these situations seriously, and the population no longer knows where or to whom to turn, since the authorities are aware of the cases and allegedly coexist with and collaborate with the parents of the minors.

These problems occur mainly in administrative posts, localities, and villages, where everyone does as they please with their own children. In some cases, when certain individuals volunteer to report the situations to the police authorities, the matters are handled discreetly, and the father of the minor is forced to pay a sum of money so that the case does not reach higher authorities.

In these areas, children are also not sent to school, but instead to fishing activities. While parents go to the fields (machamba), children are sent to the beach to look for fish to feed the family, and they are threatened that if they return without fish, they will not eat at home.

In Mugincual and Liupo, many children under the age of 16 are seen holding babies after being abandoned by the fathers of their children. Many parents are lured by money offered by local or visiting fishermen, who marry underage girls and, after completing their fishing activities in the region, abandon them while pregnant or with babies, without any form of support.

Children’s rights are therefore violated by their own parents, who force them to marry early to adults, prevent them from attending school, and compel them to engage in fishing, carry heavy loads, among other abusive practices. Although this situation may occur in several districts of Nampula Province, it is more frequent in coastal areas.

Mozanorte will continue to investigate other districts of Nampula Province. People who witness these situations in these districts appeal to the competent authorities to intervene and help combat this reality. (BP)