In the district of Mozambique Island, concern is growing over drug use among young people, particularly a substance locally known as “makha,” in addition to cannabis (“suruma”). Reports from youth and guardians point to serious consequences for behavior and health, largely linked to unemployment and social hardship.
Mussa Cassimo, a young member of the community, says many turn to drugs as a way to relieve stress. “Young people use drugs because they face many problems, both at home with their parents and in relationships. ‘Makha’ ends up being an escape,” he explains.
According to him, the substance causes behavioral changes, leading some to act irrationally. “Some become confused, doing strange things like fetching water from the sea or collecting stones saying they want to destroy them,” he reports.
Another young man, identified as Abudo, stresses that unemployment is one of the main factors pushing youth toward drug use. “We are idle, without jobs. We struggle to eat and sleep. Drugs appear as a solution to ease our problems,” he says. He also notes worrying effects: “We had a friend who had to be tied up with ropes just to sleep. That shows it’s not something good.”
From the perspective of guardians, the situation is also alarming. Mansumo Saide recounts his experience with his own son, who used “makha.” “His behavior changed a lot. He became different, did senseless things, cried for no reason and said he was bewitched. It was difficult to get him to accept help,” he says. Currently, according to Mansumo, the young man is detained for involvement with drugs.
Dona Anifa, another guardian, highlights that the use of these substances has made some youths aggressive. “They become violent, even attacking their own family members. This worries us a lot,” she says. For her, the lack of jobs and opportunities directly contributes to the problem. “Young people say they use drugs because they have no work and cannot buy what they need. They end up seeing it as a way to reduce stress.”
The community also questions the origin of the drugs and the role of authorities. According to guardians, young people are often detained, but there is little clarity about how and where they obtain the substances.
Faced with this situation, residents are calling for more employment opportunities, stronger enforcement, and awareness campaigns targeting young people, as a way to curb the rise in drug use and protect the future of youth on Mozambique Island. (Aminatho Zaharia e Fátima Abacar)
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