ISIS Violence in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado Province

In northern Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province, the ongoing insurgency linked to the Islamic State has forced over 1.3 million civilians, including Ms. Jasinto and her family, to flee their homes since 2017. The violence, which has claimed more than 6,000 lives, has particularly devastated communities reliant on subsistence farming and fishing. Ms. Jasinto recalls the harrowing moment her family escaped the attack in Muidumbe, where they once cultivated crops to support their children’s education. The insurgency gained international attention following a significant attack in Palma in March 2021, coinciding with the development of a $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project by major energy companies. Local experts, such as Daniel Movitel from Justica Ambiental, highlight that over 80% of Cabo Delgado's residents depend on agriculture and fishing, raising concerns about the lack of a coherent strategy to utilize the region's natural resources for community benefit. Life in the displacement camps, like Metuge, remains challenging for those who have fled the violence. Ms. Yasini, who assists displaced individuals, expresses skepticism about the government's efforts to combat the insurgency, suggesting that the authorities have failed to provide sustainable solutions or job opportunities. She argues that the ongoing gas project is a source of conflict, asserting that even if the project were halted, the underlying issues would persist, indicating a need for a more equitable approach to resource management.