A number of incidents involving violence, crime, and possible human rights violations have recently been reported in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, highlighting a persistent situation of insecurity across several communities in northern Mozambique.
According to local reports, on April 9, government forces allegedly attacked a position of an armed group (OAG) in the Namandala area, Quiterajo, using mortars and RPGs, with no casualties reported. On the same day, in Mirrote, Erati district (Nampula), a woman was assaulted with a brick after returning late from Women’s Day celebrations, raising concerns about gender-based violence.
Also on April 9, in Namapa, Passo Tempo neighborhood, three individuals under the influence of alcohol attacked a security guard with a bottle. Other incidents included home invasions and thefts, such as in Alua (Erati), where a shop was looted, and in Nametil, Mogovolas district, where a motorcycle was stolen during the night while the owners were asleep.
On April 8, armed elements of the OAG were seen moving through the village of Chicuaia, in Nangade, without causing damage. Meanwhile, in Angoche, residents blocked a road in protest against the lack of compensation for land taken for construction.
Cases of mob justice were also recorded. On April 7, in Moma (Nampula), locals killed one of three suspects involved in an attempted motorcycle theft. On the same day, in Namacande (Muidumbe), a member of the government forces fired shots near a military barracks, causing panic among residents.
Domestic violence remains a recurring issue. Several cases were reported, including assaults using sticks, hammers, and even hot water against wives, in districts such as Macomia, Mogovolas, and Oemba. Also on April 7, in Chiúre, the body of a woman with her throat slit was found in a shocking case that is under investigation.
Other serious crimes include kidnappings, sexual assaults, murders, and extortion. One particularly alarming case involved the kidnapping and killing of a child after the kidnappers did not receive the demanded ransom. Another report described the abduction of a six-year-old girl, who was later found in critical condition.
In addition to human violence, natural incidents have worsened the situation, with multiple cases of people being killed or injured by lightning in different locations.
Local authorities have also made several arrests, including individuals involved in robberies, road extortion, and disobedience at checkpoints. However, the frequency and severity of these incidents raise concerns about the capacity to respond effectively and protect the population.
Experts warn that the combination of armed conflict, common crime, and social vulnerabilities is contributing to a climate of widespread insecurity, requiring a coordinated response from authorities and humanitarian partners.
The situation remains volatile, with local communities living in constant fear and uncertainty. Notably, this month several incidents of human rights violations by terrorists were reported in the districts of Meluco, Mocímboa da Praia, Mueda, Macomia, and Nangade.
Along the coast of Macomia, a boat heading to Tanzania was targeted by non-state armed actors in the Messalo area, who intercepted it and demanded money.
In Mueda district, a driver was injured after non-state armed actors attacked a bus traveling from Mueda town to Tanzania on April 23.
In Machava village, Nangade, attacks were reported on production centers, believed to be linked to insurgents moving through the region.
Meanwhile, in Mocímboa da Praia district, on April 23, there were reports of crossfire in Mitope village, Diaca administrative post, resulting in casualties on both sides and looting of civilian property.
Other human rights violations affecting northern Mozambique are linked to alleged incidents of “genital shrinking” accusations in Cabo Delgado. As of April 28, 11 people had been killed based on such accusations without evidence. Police have detained more than 20 individuals suspected of involvement in these violations, although the actual number may be higher. Several cases were reported by Mozanorte.
In Niassa province, two such cases were reported, including one in Marrupa district without fatalities, and another in the city of Lichinga.
In Nampula, two lynchings were recorded, representing clear human rights violations against two innocent individuals. Authorities detained 24 people accused of promoting these abuses based on rumors of genital shrinking. There was also an incident on April 26 involving stone-throwing and the blocking of the N104 road near Angoche by unidentified individuals, violating the rights of travelers.
Furthermore, on April 21, residents of Chitolo in Cabo Delgado were alarmed after unidentified individuals carried out several shootings, raising serious security concerns (Mozanorte).
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